Tue Nov 24, 2009
UCLA Health System Research and Education: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLAPatient Care: UCLA Health System
UCLA Center for Esophageal Disorders
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Esophageal Conditions and Treatments

Esophageal Treatments

Esophageal manometry

The esophageal manometry test measures the peristaltic contractions of your esophagus.  A small catheter is put down into your esophagus and while you swallow water, measurements are taken to determine if your esophagus is working properly.

Please arrive 1/2 hour early to scheduled appointment.

Do not eat or drink anything for at least 2 hours before the time of your appointment.

A local anesthetic will be applied in your nose and throat to make them numb.  After this, a nurse will pass a small flexible tube through one side of your nose and gently move it until it drops into the back of your throat.  The nurse will give you water to swallow to help advance the tube.  Once the tube is positioned correctly, you will rapidly adjust to the feeling of the tube.  The test begins one the tube is in position and it should take 15-20 minutes.

After the test, your nose may feel numb and your throat may be slightly sore for several hours.  However, no serious or distressing problems should arise from this test.