Esophageal manometry and PH metry

The manometry o study of esophageal function is a diagnostic test widely used in the field of Gastroenterology that consists of the study of the movements of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter by using a probe with receptors sensitive to movement and a computer in which the results obtained are recorded. The esophageal pH measurement consists of the registration of acid levels of the esophagus by using a probe with acid-sensitive receptors.

How is the study done?

Both studies are carried out in adapted units of the medical center or hospital by qualified personnel and require the placement of a tube from the nose into the lower esophagus (in pH metry) and inside the stomach (in manometry). During the study, the patient sits comfortably on an armchair, with the head directed forward and the stifle slightly inclined downwards. The patient is asked to breathe normally through the mouth as the examiner slowly inserts the probe (shaped like a rubber or wire) into one nostril; then you are asked to begin to breathe through your nose until the tube is placed in your esophagus or stomach. The study does not usually use sedatives or anesthetics since they can modify the result of the study.

Preparation for the study

In both studies the patient should avoid smoking and taking exciting substances such as caffeine 48-72 hours before to the study. You should avoid the intake of solid and liquid food for at least 6-8 hours before the scan. There are some drugs that modify esophageal motility or acid secretion from the stomach, the patient should indicate to his doctor if he performs any type of treatment before carrying out the study. Before starting the examination, the dental prostheses are removed. Manometry does not allow the use of sedatives that can alter the result of the study. After the examination, the patient may notice slight discomfort in the throat or slight bleeding that disappears in a short time.

Main risks

• Sickness
• Vomiting
• Aspiration (or passage of gastric contents into the respiratory system)
• Aspiration pneumonia (lung infection)
• Study contraindications

Before conducting the study, the patient must:

• Taking medication
• Recent or active infection

Reasons why a manometry is performed

Manometry and pH metry are two widely known and used techniques in the field of Gastroenterology.

• Manometry allows detecting alterations in the normal movement of the esophagus as well as the correct opening and closing of the esophageal sphincter necessary for the correct passage of food from the mouth to the stomach. Useful for valuing the state of the lower esophageal sphincter and its correct closure in people who have a sensation of heartburn, burning or retrosternal pain or recurrent pneumonia. It also makes it possible to check the efficacy of certain surgical or non-surgical treatments that affect the motility of the esophagus.
• The pH metry allows to detect the presence of excess acid in the esophagus from the stomach in patients who have a sensation of heartburn or burning or retrosternal pain. It also allows to verify the effectiveness of certain surgical or non-surgical treatments aimed at treating excess acid.

Both are basic tests for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with gastroesophageal reflux (involuntary passage of part of the stomach contents into the esophagus.

Family and Community Medicine Specialist