Motility Testing (Esophageal Manometry)
Esophageal manometry (also known as a motility test or study) is performed to see if the esophagus is contracting and relaxing properly. The esophagus is a tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach. Any disruption of this process can cause difficulty swallowing.
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a valve that is normally closed to prevent food and acid inside the stomach from entering the esophagus. If this valve opens when it should be closed, food and stomach acids can enter the esophagus, causing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Esophageal manometry measures the strength and patterns of muscle contractions in the esophagus. It can also determine whether the LES opens and closes properly.
Why Your Doctor May Recommend Motility Testing
Esophageal manometry helps diagnose a range of swallowing problems, including achalasia (a condition where the esophagus has difficulty pushing food down into the stomach), or GERD.
The detailed data collected during esophageal manometry helps doctors pinpoint abnormalities in esophageal function, providing a clear understanding of the cause of symptoms, like difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, or chest pain. By identifying the root cause, this test enables our doctors to provide you with targeted, effective treatment plans to improve your overall quality of life.
How to Prepare for Esophageal Manometry
Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours before the test. If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink after midnight prior to the procedure. Your doctor will let you know if or when you should adjust or stop any medications you take.
Because this diagnostic test does not require any sedation, it is not necessary to have a close friend or family member accompany you to your appointment or provide you with transportation to and from the facility.
What to Expect
Before the procedure, a nurse will apply a numbing cream inside your nose to minimize any discomfort you might feel. Your doctor will then insert a thin, flexible, disposable catheter (the size of a spaghetti noodle) through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach while you swallow sips of water. This usually takes 10-15 seconds and is performed while you are sitting up.
When the tube is in position, you will be asked to lie down. The tube is connected to a computer, and the doctor slowly pulls it back into your esophagus. They will then ask you to swallow. During this time, the computer measures and records the pressures in different sections of your esophagus.
Motility tests typically take about 20 minutes to complete. The catheter is then removed, and the recorded data is analyzed by your doctor before they provide you with next steps to effectively treat your symptoms.
Best GI Doctors in Austin, TX
Understand the cause of persistent digestive symptoms with motility testing, a vital step in diagnosing and managing motility disorders. At Austin Gastroenterology, our skilled team pairs advanced technology with compassionate care to guide you toward effective solutions. To schedule an appointment with one of our GI doctors, please send us a message on Klara or fill out our secure online appointment request form. We proudly serve our community from 18 convenient locations around the greater Austin area.
