High-resolution Manometry test, also called Esophageal Manometry Test is a procedure performed to overcome conditions in the esophagus that make swallowing of food difficult. These conditions can cause repeated chest discomfort, not to mention reduced intake of food. This test measures pressure in the esophagus when the person is resting and when swallowing food. This gives an indication of health of the esophagus. Based on the findings, suitable interventions can be done to fix the problem.
The esophagus is an important component of the digestive tract. It is a long thin tube around 8 inches long that connects mouth to the stomach, and helps move the food down for processing. It is made of muscles and is lined by a pink, slimy mucosal layer that lubricates the food movement. Muscles of the esophagus contract and expand in a wave-like motion to push food down, and this movement is called peristalsis.
Two rings of muscles, called sphincters are found, one each, at the beginning and end of this tube to control food passage.
There are various conditions that disrupt the process described above. This makes swallowing of food difficult, which is serious, as the food intake is drastically reduced now.
As per the doctor’s instructions, the patient must stop taking current medication for various conditions, in this manner:
The patient must not eat or drink anything for 5-6 hours before the procedure. He/she will not be sedated or given local anesthesia as this can interfere with the normal movements of the esophagus.
The patient will be taken to the outpatient chamber where the procedure will be done. Numbing gel (a mild sedative) is rubbed into one of the 2 nostrils, in which a thin catheter will be inserted. The other nostril stays free. The catheter is pushed gently through the nostril and down into the esophagus.
The catheter that slides inside has a water-filled sleeve and pressure sensors stuck on it, spaced 1 cm apart. The close spacing of the sensors provides high-resolution data, hence the name. The free-end of the catheter, outside the body is connected to a computer monitor. The computer contains hardware and software that will record the pressure changes in the esophageal muscles as they contract and relax, and display that on the screen.
He/she must breathe slowly, and will then be asked to take a few sips of water. As the water moves through the esophagus, the pressure changes in the esophagus are recorded and displayed.
Based on the findings, the doctor will decide the next step of treatment. The catheter is slowly withdrawn and removed. The whole procedure lasts around 30 minutes.
He/she can resume normal activities immediately.
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