Fertility Preservation

HEALTH ENGAGEMENT ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY INSTRUCTIONS

You have been scheduled for an esophageal manometry. This is a procedure that measures the strength and function of the muscles in your esophagus. This test is used to help see if there are any flaws in the function or movement of the esophagus. These flaws could cause symptoms or affect any plans for surgeries involving the esophagus. HEALTH NOTES

What is the esophagus? The esophagus, or food pipe, is a muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It is about 8 in. long. There are sphincter muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus which act like gates. The sphincters help open and close the esophagus, which allows food and liquids to pass or stops them from passing.

When is esophageal manometry used? Esophageal manometry is used in the following scenarios: • Determine why stomach acid and contents are flowing back into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). GERD symptoms For more information include heartburn and vomiting. • Try to identify why food or liquids are getting stuck in your chest after Visit kp.org/health swallowing. • Learn more about esophageal manometry in the health • Evaluate unexplained chest pain that may be coming from the encyclopedia. Type esophageal esophagus instead of the heart or chest wall. manometry in the search bar. • Ensure the esophagus is functioning normally before any surgeries involving the esophagus. Call a Kaiser Permanente Medical Advice nurse How is esophageal manometry performed? • Talk to a medical advice nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week An esophageal manometry test takes about 45 minutes to perform. The by calling (703) 359-7878 or technician will verify that you have not eaten anything within 4 hours of the (800) 777-7904, TTY: 711 study. No sedation is needed for this study. At the start of the test, you will be sitting upright. Procedure Locations 1. Your nostril and throat will be numbed to lessen discomfort. A special • Falls Church Medical Center numbing jelly will be applied to one nostril. A numbing spray will be Department of sprayed in the back of the throat. Gastroenterology 201 North Washigton St. 2. A thin, flexible plastic tube is then passed through your nostril, down the Falls Church, VA 22046 back of your throat, and into your esophagus as you swallow. (703) 237-4442 3. As you swallow, the tube is passed down into the stomach. There may • Largo Medical Center be some gagging as the tube passes, but the technician will try to help 1221 Mercantile Lane prevent that. Suite 202 (2nd floor) Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (301) 618-5609 4. Once the tube is inside your esophagus, you will • If you take blood thinners, you do not need to lie down on your back. stop taking them. 5. The test will begin after a short rest to allow the • Non-essential medicines should not be taken pressures to equalize. until after the test is done. These medicines include: 6. The pressures generated by the esophagus » Pain medicines like Demerol (meperidine), muscles will be measured at rest and while Percodan (oxycodone/aspirin), Percocet swallowing. You will be asked to swallow water (oxycodone/paracetamol), codeine, and on command (wet swallow). morphine

Multiple swallows are tested to allow » Sedatives or tranquilizers, like Valium measurements to be taken. Pressures are (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Elavil recorded throughout the study. Once the study (amitriptyline), Thorazine (chlorpromazine) and is done, the tube is removed. librax. » Antispasmodics, like Bentyl (dicycloverine), What are the side effects of esophageal Levsin (hyoscyamine), Robinul (glycopyrronium manometry? bromide) Although esophageal manometry may be a little » Promotility agents like Reglan uncomfortable, the procedure is not very painful. (metoclopramide), Zithromax (azithromycin), Side effects are usually minor and may include Motilium (domperidone) and erythromycin. mild sore throat, nosebleeds, and sinus problems. Sometimes the tube may enter the larynx (voice If you have questions about a specific medicine, box) and cause coughing. If this happens, the please talk to your doctor. problem is usually caught immediately and the tube is quickly removed. What can I expect after the procedure? Once the procedure is done, you may drive How do I prepare for the esophageal yourself home. Feel free to eat and go about your manometry test? normal activity. • Do not eat or drink anything 4 hours before the test When can I expect results and how do I • Your regular daily medicines, like high blood receive them? pressure and heart medicines, can be taken Results are typically available two (2) weeks after with small sips of water when you wake in the the procedure date. Your results will be reviewed, morning. analyzed and then forwarded to your referring • If you have diabetes, skipping breakfast may doctor. affect your need for your diabetes medicines. NOTE: If you must cancel your procedure, You may need to take half of your dose the do so at least seven (7) days before your morning of the test. Talk with your primary scheduled appointment date. care doctor about your medicine to see what changes, if any, are needed.

The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor or member of your health care team.