Esophageal Function Tests

Esophageal function tests are performed by Digestive Health physicians at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry may be used to evaluate problems with swallowing (dysphagia).  It may also be used to assist in the placement of a pH monitoring probe and for the preoperative assessment of esophageal peristaltic function in patients being considered for anti-reflux surgery.  No sedation is used for this procedure.  A soft flexible catheter (tube) is passed through a nostril and gently advanced to the stomach.  Measurements are made over the course of 15 minutes during a series of test swallows.  Minor coughing or choking is common for a few minutes, particularly during insertion of the catheter.

Preparation
You may consume only clear liquids after midnight.  All fluid intake must be discontinued 2 hours before the procedure.

Esophageal pH Monitoring

Prolonged monitoring of lower esophageal acid levels is most often used to confirm a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease when the diagnosis is suspected but uncertain (such as when a patient fails to respond to generally effective treatment), or when surgical treatment is being considered.  Proton pump inhibitor medication (PPI) are generally discontinued 7 days before testing.  Esophageal manometry (see above) precedes pH monitoring for localization of anatomic landmarks, though manometry may be performed immediately prior to pH testing.  A soft flexible catheter (tube) is passed through a nostril and positioned in the esophagus, about 2 inches above the opening to the stomach.  The probe at the tip of the catheter measures the pH (acidity) every 5 seconds during the study, which usually lasts 24 hours.  Once positioned, the catheter is taped to your cheek and you are discharged with instructions to return the following day for removal.  The testing catheter is connected to a recorder you will wear on a shoulder strap.  You may not shower during the test and vigorous physical activity is not generally allowed.  We do typically recommend that you maintain your normal diet during the course of testing.  Minor coughing or choking is common for a few minutes, particularly during insertion of the catheter.

Preparation
-Discontinue proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec® or omeprazole, Nexium® or esomeprazole, Prevacid® or lansoprazole, Acipex® or rabeprazole, Protonix® or pantoprazole) 7 days before testing.
-Discontinue H2 antagonists (Tagamet® or cimetidine, Zantac® or ranitidine, Pepcid® or famotidine, Axid® or nizatidine) 3 days before your procedure. 
-You may consume only clear liquids after midnight. 
-All fluid intake must be discontinued 2 hours before the procedure.