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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEsophageal manometry (muh-NOM-uh-tree) is a test that gauges how well your esophagus works. Your esophagus is the long, muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Esophageal manometry measures the rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) that occur in your esophagus when you swallow. Esophageal manometry also measures the force, or amount of pressure, exerted by the muscles of your esophagus.
During esophageal manometry, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) that contains sensors is passed through your nose, down your esophagus and into your stomach. You then swallow sips of water. Esophageal manometry can be helpful in diagnosing a variety of disorders that affect your esophagus. Esophageal manometry also may be used as part of a preoperative evaluation before anti-reflux surgery.
- Jobe BA, et al. Esophagus and diaphragmatic hernia. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5031992. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Understanding esophageal manometry. American Society for Gastronintestinal Endoscopy. http://www.asge.org/PatientInfoIndex.aspx?id=6822. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Patti MG. Esophagus & Diaphragm. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5215311. Accessed Feb. 23, 2010.
- Lembo AJ, et al. Motility testing: When does it help? http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Feb. 23, 2010.
- Fisichella, PM, et al: The evolution of esophageal function testing and its clinical applications in the management of patients with esophageal disorders. Digestive and Liver Disease. 2009;41:626.
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