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Esophageal manometry
esophageal manometry · high-resolution manometry · HRM · swallowing muscle test
A thin tube with sensors is passed through your nose into your food pipe. You take sips of water, and the device measures how the food pipe muscles work.
For trouble swallowing, chest pain with no clear cause, before reflux surgery, or before pH monitoring.
⏱ Duration: usually 20 to 30 minutes; the report usually takes a few days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually no food or drink for 6 hours. Check with the clinic.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Ask your doctor in advance which ones to skip.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes with no tight collar.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past endoscopy reports
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- Your nose is numbed with a gel
- A thin tube is passed through your nose while you swallow
- You lie or sit and breathe calmly
- On command, you take small sips of water, usually about ten
- During the recording, do not talk or swallow extra
- The tube is removed in a few seconds
What you'll feel
- Putting in the tube is unpleasant: your eyes water, and you may gag
- The sips feel odd, but do not hurt
Afterwards
- You can eat and drink right away
- Your nose may feel a little sore
- The report usually takes a few days
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A nosebleed that will not stop, or severe chest pain: call emergency services
Common questions
Is it like an upper endoscopy?
No. The tube is thinner, goes in through the nose, and shows nothing on a screen. It only measures pressure.
Why is it done before pH monitoring?
Manometry helps find the exact spot to place the pH sensor.