Procedure
Manometry uses a thin pressure-sensing catheter to measure how the muscles of the food pipe or rectum contract. Essential for diagnosing achalasia and certain causes of constipation.
Manometry measures the pressure and coordination of the muscles in the food pipe (oesophageal manometry) or in the rectum and anal sphincter (anorectal manometry).
A soft catheter with many pressure sensors is gently passed in. As you swallow water or squeeze on cue, the catheter records how the muscles contract. The test is used to evaluate difficulty swallowing, suspected motility disorders such as achalasia, refractory acidity, chronic constipation and faecal incontinence.
A thin catheter is passed through the nose and down the food pipe for oesophageal studies, or into the rectum for anorectal studies.
You will be asked to swallow water or squeeze on cue while pressures are recorded.
The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. No sedation is used.
Mild nose or throat discomfort during the test. No serious risks.
Common questions
Is it uncomfortable?
There is mild discomfort while the catheter is being placed and during swallows. It is well tolerated.
Related procedures
POEM
Non-surgical treatment for achalasia and swallowing disorders.
24-hour pH-metry
Confirms acid reflux when symptoms are unclear.
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