What Happens During Esophageal Manometry?
During esophageal manometry, a small (about 1/4 inch in diameter) flexible tube is passed through your nose, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. You are not sedated, although a topical anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) may be applied to your nose to make the passage of the tube more comfortable. The tube is connected to a machine that records the contractions of the esophageal muscles on a graph. You may feel some discomfort as the tube is being placed, but this process takes only about a minute. Most people quickly adjust to the tube’s presence and it will not interfere with your breathing. Vomiting and coughing are possible when the tube is being placed, but are rare. After the tube is inserted, you are asked to lie on your left side. You will be asked to swallow water at certain times during the test. A small sensor will record each time you swallow. The tube is then slowly withdrawn. The gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in conditions of the gastrointestinal
