Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal manometry?
An esophageal manometry (sometimes called an esophageal motility study) at Gastroenterology Associates is a test conducted to evaluate the contractile and relaxation abilities of the esophagus. To conduct the examination, a slim and bendable catheter will be inserted into to nose and down to the esophagus. This type of test may be administered prior to esophageal surgery or to help pinpoint the cause of:
- Esophageal spasm
- Pain in the chest area
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Regurgitation
- Trouble with swallowing
To visit a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist who can perform an esophageal manometry or motility assessment in Baton Rouge, LA, contact your nearest Gastroenterology Associates location.
What happens the day before an esophageal motility test?
Before your esophageal motility test, you will get instructions from your provider regarding the preparatory steps to follow. You will likely be allowed to eat as normal the day before the exam. You will be instructed not to take anything by mouth after midnight apart from medications. It is extremely important to adhere to the instructions and information given to you by your provider. Additional instructions pertaining to medications you might be taking will also be provided. In most cases, your medication schedule can continue as normal. However, if you are a diabetic or are on blood thinners (i.e., aspirin, anti-inflammatories, warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®), specific instructions will be administered.
What happens on the day of the esophageal motility test?
You will be instructed to arrive about half an hour prior to your test so you can complete paperwork and undergo preparations for the esophageal motility test.
After entering the procedure area, you will need to lie on an exam table. One of your nostrils will be anesthetized with a numbing gel. We will then position a thin tube into the nose. As the device is advanced into the esophagus, you will be prompted to swallow to open up the esophagus. The nurse will initially station the device to gauge the squeeze of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Our staff will then gauge the squeeze of the muscles of the body of the esophagus. During this part of the assessment, you will be required to swallow 10 – 20 sips of water. Afterward, the process will be finished and the tube will be withdrawn. In most cases, the evaluation will be completed in about 30 – 60 minutes.
Because sedation is not administered for the exam, you will be able to leave right after the process is finished. The majority of patients can eat and drink as usual after being released, but detailed instructions surrounding medications, physical activity, and eating will be given to you before discharge.
When will I receive the results of my esophageal motility exam?
The data gathered throughout your evaluation will be used to develop tables and grafts, so the results of your test will not be ready to read until after you are discharged. You will most likely get a call from your provider within one week with information about your esophageal motility test results.
What are the risks with an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal manometry assessments are generally regarded as a safe procedure. Complications happen in fewer than 1% of individuals. The majority of complications do not tend to be life-threatening; however, if a complication develops, it may require hospitalization and surgery. Before we perform the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by the medical staff at Gastroenterology Associates.
Perforation or piercing of the esophageal structure is uncommon but can happen. This might be detected during your procedure, or it might not be apparent until further into the day. In most situations, a perforation will require a hospital stay and surgery.
It is vital that you contact Gastroenterology Associates promptly in the event issues or symptoms arise in the wake of the test, including worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Much like any other evaluation, an esophageal motility study is not flawless. There exists a small, acknowledged risk that health issues may not be detected throughout the study. We urge you to periodically visit your healthcare practitioners as recommended and discuss with them any new or persistent concerns.
Are there alternatives to an esophageal motility test?
To a certain extent, available alternative procedures will be determined based on the reason for needing to have an esophageal motility study in the first place. In most cases, esophageal manometry is the favored way to measure the contractile abilities of the esophagus. However, an x-ray called an esophagram, either by itself or during an upper GI/barium swallow, can additionally evaluate the esophagus.
An esophageal manometry to evaluate conditions
In the event you or a loved one encounter symptoms such as regurgitation, chest pain, or trouble swallowing, then an esophageal manometry can be performed to analyze the problem and how to diagnose and address the issue. To find a GI provider who offers this test, you can get in touch with Gastroenterology Associates. A skilled network of gastrointestinal physicians, we operate with a patient-centric mentality that enables us to perform with the highest standard of care. For more information about esophageal manometry in Baton Rouge, LA, please contact your nearest location today.
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