This document is intended to answer some of the questions you may have about your forthcoming oesophageal manometry test. Please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything further you would like to know.

Why do I need the test?
The test measures the pressures and co-ordination of pressure activity within your oesophagus when you swallow. From this we can make an assessment of its functioning and determine if your symptoms are due to certain disorders of the oesophagus. The test is also required before anti-reflux surgery to make sure the oesophagus is working well enough for you to have the operation.

What should I expect?
Before the test:
You should stop taking any medicines which may affect the functioning of your oesophagus four days before the test. Full instructions will be sent in your appointment letter as this will depend on which drug you are taking. You should not eat or drink anything in the four how before the test. You are advised to wear some loose fitting comfortable clothes since you will be lying flat for 40 -45 minutes during the test period and tight fitting clothes can interfere with the test.

On Arrival:
The nurse will explain the procedure to you and ask you sign a consent form. This is to ensure that you understand the test and its implications. She will also ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and the medication you have taken for them. This will help with the interpretation of the results. Please bring a list of your medication with you.

During the test:
You will be made comfortable on the couch, sitting upright. The nurse will then pass a very fine catheter with pressure sensors along its length through your nose and into your oesophagus. You will not be put to sleep or sedated in anway since you should feel only a slight discomfort from this. You will then be made comfortable lying flat on the couch and allowed to rest for 5-10 minutes.The catheter is connected to a computer which displays a]
records the pressures in each sensor.

During the test period we ask you to lie as quietly as possible and to talk as little as possible. This is because talking can interfere with the measurements.

The catheter will then be very slowly withdrawn and measurements of pressure will be recorded at 1cm intervals. Initially we will ask you to take a deep breath in and out quickly at each level to determine if you have a hiatus hernia. A short sharp breath is all that is required, we do not want you to hold your breath.

We will then give you small amounts of water ( 5mls ) to swallow ( wet swallows) so that we can observe the muscle contractions in the oesophagus. Up to twenty swallows may be given so that we can obtain an accurate assessment of this activity. Please swallow normally and try not to swallow between the samples of water. We appreciate that this may be difficult and if you do need to swallow saliva (dry swallows) you may but it is important to tell us so that we know that you initiated the swallow.

Depending on your symptoms and our findings with the wet swallows we may also ask you to swallow a small lumpy piece of food such as a marshmallow. The procedure will take approximately one hour after which you will be able to return to work or home.

Will I be able to feel the catheter?
You will be aware of the catheter in the back of your throat throughout the test. Although you may find it uncomfortable it will not cause you any pain.

When will I know the result?
You will be told of any information that is immediately apparent but the recording needs to be carefully analysed before a diagnosis can be made. Your GP will receive a copy of the final report usually within two weeks of the test.

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