When Would Your Doctor Order an Esophageal Manometry?

Question: When Would Your Doctor Order an Esophageal Manometry?

Answer: If you are experiencing difficulty when swallowing, your doctor will usually rule out any type of obstruction by having an upper endoscopy or barium x-rays performed. If no obstruction is found, your doctor may order a manometric evaluation. An esophageal manometry can be used to establish the diagnosis of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) when no obstruction, such as strictures, can be found.

An esophageal manometry may be ordered if anti-reflux surgery is being considered, so a doctor can assess the muscular contractions of the esophagus before surgery.

An esophageal manometry is not used as an initial test for finding the cause of chest pain or esophageal symptoms. Other diagnostic tests, such as an upper endoscopy or barium x-rays, are ordered first. If these tests do not reveal a cause of symptoms, then your doctor may consider a manometry.

_Sources:

"American Gastroenterological Association medical Position Statement: Clinical Use of Esophageal Manometry." National Guideline Clearinghouse Date Modified: 3/9/2009 18 Mar 2009

Michael F. Vaezi, M.D., Ph.D., and Joel E. Richter, M.D., "Diagnosis and Management of Achalasia." The American College of Gastroenterology 18 Mar 2009