Patients who are experiencing difficulty swallowing, chronic heartburn or unresolved chest pain may be candidates for esophageal manometry – a special test that is performed on an outpatient basis by a skilled gastroenterologist. Patients do not have to be sedated for an esophageal manometry test, but a topical anesthetic is typically administered. In this procedure, the physician passes a small, flexible tube through the nose and esophagus and down into the stomach. This tube has a sensor that records the muscle contractions as the patient swallows water. The test lasts a little more than 30 minutes, after which the patient may notice a slight sore throat but should be able to return to normal activities immediately.
Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Browsing our website means you accept these terms.