Esophageal Manometry Specialist

Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. Our Services Esophageal Manometry
Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. - - Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A.

Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Annapolis, MD, Kent Island, MD, Odenton, MD, Bowie, MD, Pasadena, MD & Greenbelt, MD

When you're having problems like heartburn and swallowing difficulties, an esophageal manometry procedure can assess how well your esophagus is working. The experienced team at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. performs expert esophageal manometry at their facilities in Annapolis, Stevensville, Odenton, Bowie, and Pasadena, Maryland. Call the office nearest you to find out more or book an appointment online today.

Esophageal Manometry Q & A

What is esophageal manometry?

Esophageal manometry is a procedure that’s performed on your esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Manometry measures pressure and contractions inside the lower end of your esophagus. 

The test helps your provider assess how well your esophagus is functioning when you have symptoms of an esophageal disorder.

Why might I need esophageal manometry?

Esophageal manometry might be necessary if you're experiencing problems like:

  • Heartburn (acid reflux)
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Feeling like you have an obstruction in your throat
  • Regularly coughing or choking in the night
  • Pain in your chest after eating

The most likely causes of these symptoms are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). GERD and LPR develop because of a problem with a valve between your stomach and esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

As you swallow, the LES opens to allow food and drink into your stomach, then closes to prevent the gastric juices from getting out and damaging your esophagus. 

Using esophageal manometry, your provider at Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates can determine whether you have GERD or LPR. 

They can also diagnose more unusual causes of these symptoms, like achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, or scleroderma.

What does the esophageal manometry procedure involve?

Most patients don't require sedation when undergoing esophageal manometry; however, a local anesthetic for your throat and nose ensures you feel comfortable. Your provider inserts a slim, pressure-sensitive tube into your nose or mouth, passing it down your esophagus and into your stomach.

Once the tube is in place, your provider gradually withdraws it while you swallow. As the esophageal manometry tube passes back through your LES, it records the contractions in your muscles to see how strong they are.

The manometry tube relays the information to a computer, which translates it to create a pattern. Your provider can assess how well your LES and esophagus are working by analyzing this pattern.

For more information about esophageal manometry and how it can help with your diagnosis or to schedule a consultation, call Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates, P.A. today or book an appointment online.

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