How to Prepare | What to Expect On Arrival | For More Information
An esophageal motility study, or esophageal manometry, is a procedure that evaluates the coordination of esophageal (food pipe) contractions and the strength, opening and closing of the lower esophageal sphincter. Esophageal manometry is done in patients with swallowing problems, or as a pre-operative test before an acid reflux surgery.
How to Prepare for the Esophageal Motility Study
- 2 days prior to the procedure the following medication should be stopped: Reglan (metoclopramide).
- The evening before the procedure the following medications should be stopped: narcotics.
- No food or liquids (this includes water) after midnight the night before the procedure.
What to Expect Once You Arrive for the Esophageal Motility Study
- A topical anesthetic is sprayed into the nose.
- A thin flexible wire is passed through the nose and positioned into the lower esophagus.
- Usually no additional sedation is given during the esophageal mobility test.
- The patient is asked to swallow small gulps of water.
- The functions of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter are recorded on a computer.
- The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes.
For More Information
The esophageal motility study is available at the Highland Park Hospital GI lab. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists, please call 847.480.2828
NorthShore offers interpretive language services for non-English speaking patients. A request for this no-cost service should be made at the time of appointment scheduling.