Gastrointestinal manometry

What is it for?

The gastrointestinal manometry allows us to detect changes in the movement of the oesophagus, as well as making sure the oesophageal sphincter opens and closes properly to allow food to pass properly from mouth to stomach. It is also useful for assessing the condition of the inner oesophageal sphincter and making sure it closes properly in people who suffer from acidity, heart burn, retrosternal pain or repetitive pneumonia. It also allows us to check the results of some treatments, surgical or otherwise, that affect stomach motility.

How does it work?

Firstly, a thin tube is inserted through the mouth that connects to a device that records the movements, a.k.a. motility, of the small intestine. We then check the device is placed properly using an x-ray.

During the test, patients should be lying down on a bed and given a light meal that they can easily swallow.

This test lasts an average of 6 hours.

Once the test is done, the professional interprets the results in order to define or discard a diagnosis.

Risks

The process of placing the probe is uncomfortable and can cause nausea, which disappears when the probe is in the right position.