Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry (man-AHM-eh-tree) is an examination that measures the pressures in your esophagus to see if it is working as it should.
To do the manometry, the doctor will ask you to swallow a very small flexible catheter tube. The catheter is attached to a complex machine. It allows the doctor to measure the muscle contractions along the esophagus to determine if they work normally. This test helps your doctor diagnose your illness and plan specific treatment.
Immediately before the manometry, you will be given a novocaine-like spray to numb your throat. No sedatives are given for this test, which lasts for about 15 minutes.
During the manometry, you may feel a gagging or coughing sensation, but these symptoms go away quickly. After the test, do not eat or drink for two hours.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call the office at (706) 548-0058. If you are having a medical emergency, get medical attention immediately at your nearest healthcare facility:
Piedmont Athens Regional: (706) 475-7000
St. Mary's Hospital: (706) 354-3000
This informational material is taken from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources.