High-resolution Esophageal Manometry

High-resolution esophageal manometry is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and motility of the esophagus. It helps to diagnose conditions like swallowing difficulties, achalasia, painful swallowing, ineffective esophageal motility, etc.

What to Expect

To start the procedure, a thin flexible tube will be inserted into your child’s nose to reach the stomach. Depending on your child’s age, they may be given a numbing medicine inside their nose prior to placement of the tube. Let your child know that as the tube is inserted into the nose, it may cause some discomfort such as pressure, coughing, mild nose bleeding, sneezing, or gagging. Your child will need to sit upright on the bed for the procedure. If your child is given medicine to relax, they will wear a heart and oxygen monitor.

The tube will then be pulled back and secured to the nose with tape to ensure proper placement within the esophagus. Your child will be asked to swallow sips of water or Gatorade at specific times throughout the test; this will allow the pressure and muscle contractions of the esophagus to be measured throughout the test.

How to Prepare

Your child must have an empty stomach for at least 12 hours in order to properly and safely complete this procedure. Certain medications may need to be stopped for up to 48 hours prior to esophageal manometry. A member of our GI team will contact you and let you know when your child must stop eating and drinking, as well as specific preparation instructions and timing for your child’s procedure.

We recognize that this procedure can be frightening to children and their families. We have child life specialists who are available to work with us, to help children and families navigate this procedure and make everyone feel as comfortable as possible.

Risks of the Test

Esophageal manometry testing is very safe. It is likely that your child will feel some temporary and mild discomfort of the nose and throat. Rarely, there may be a nose bleed as a result of the procedure. Extremely rarely, there could be a tear in the esophagus or throat.

After the Test

Once the test is completed, your child will be discharged home on the same day. Your provider will review the data from the test and a final report should be ready within 1-2 weeks of the procedure date. The finalized report will be communicated with the child’s caregiver, the primary care provider, and other care providers as indicated.