Diagnosing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Manometry is a technique that records muscular pressure. A small tube is guided through the patient's nose and into the esophagus. A computer connected to the sensor on the tube will measure the muscular pressure in the esophagus and stomach.

This test is useful for the following reasons

• Measurements of the pressure exerted by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscles, and helps determine which patients need and would benefit from surgery.

• It can detect muscle action abnormalities, such as impaired stomach motility (an inability of the stomach muscles to contract normally).

• It can detect if impaired peristalsis or other motor abnormalities are causing the chest pain in patients who have GERD.
  
  
  
  
  • Part 1: What a Doctor May Prescribe
  • Part 2: Barium X-rays
  • Part 3: Endoscopic Examination
  • Part 4: PH Monitor Examination
  • Part 5: Manometry