Oesophageal Manometry - SEQ Surgery Group

Oesophageal Manometry & pH Studies for Reflux

Impedance pH & High Resolution Manometry is a test used to assess pressure and motor function of the oesophagus.

The specialist will be able to evaluate how well the muscles in the oesophagus work to transport liquids or food from the mouth into the stomach.

This test may also be used to evaluate the causes of and help diagnose conditions such as:

Gastric reflux
Difficulty swallowing
Functional chest pain
Achalasia
Hiatal hernia

In addition, this test may be used in pre-operative evaluation in patients who are being considered for anti-reflux surgery or to ensure proper placement of pH probes for manometry tests.

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How It Works

The study will be performed by a doctor or nurse and only takes about 10 minutes. Generally you will be in a comfortable semi-reclining position. Your nose and throat will be numbed with a spray or gel. This serves to minimize any discomfort associated with the placement of the small catheter through your nose and into your stomach. During this time you will be able to breathe swallow and talk with ease.

During the study you will be asked to take a number of swallows. The pressures resulting from these actions will be detected and recorded by tiny sensors located on the catheter. The recording will be transferred to a report for review and interpretation by the specialist.

It is important to check with the specialist or your physician prior to ceasing any medications.

Preparation For the Procedure

Fasting from food and drink from 12 midnight prior to the procedure or as directed by the specialist. You will be advised by the specialist to cease certain medications for a week prior to the procedure i.e. proton pump inhibitors, antacids, promotility medications

Medications such as those taken for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes should not be discontinued.

Risks Associated With The Procedure

Discomfort
Nasal pain
Minor bleeding in the nose
Runny nose
Throat discomfort
Irregular heartbeat with dizziness
Perforation

After the study

You may resume your normal daily activities, diet and medications following your test. Since there is no sedation required you may drive yourself home after the procedure.

PH Studies

Digitrapper® pH-Z monitoring is a catheter-based test using a combination of pH and impedance sensors for the identification of reflux at multiple locations, including the oesophagus and pharynx. Data collected differentiates acid and non-acid reflux in patients with an array of symptoms.

With these measurements, your specialist can evaluate the number of reflux events, the acid content of each event and how long each event lasted. This helpful information can also help your specialist diagnose gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other disorders. This test may also determine if the cause of the symptoms may be extraoesophageal in nature.