Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
At GI Alliance of Arkansas, our providers use esophageal manometry (or esophageal motility studies) to measure the muscle functions of the esophagus. To conduct the process, a thin and flexible tube will be positioned through the nose into the esophagus. A motility assessment may be administered to help identify the cause of:
- Pain in the chest area
- Prior to undergoing esophageal surgery
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Trouble with swallowing
- Regurgitation
- Esophageal spasm
To meet with a gastroenterology specialist who can perform an esophageal motility assessment or esophageal manometry in Arkansas, please reach out to one of our gastroenterologists today.
What should I expect the day before my esophageal motility study?
Your GI physician at GI Alliance of Arkansas will give you preparation instructions that you should follow in the day leading up to your procedure. In most cases, patients will be allowed to eat as normal the day before the test. Individuals will be asked not to take anything by mouth after midnight with the exception of medications. It is extremely important to follow the information and instructions stated by your doctor. Specific instructions concerning any medications you take will also be provided. The majority of the time, your medications will not be altered. For some individuals, however, especially in people who take anticoagulant medications, (e.g., Plavix®, warfarin, Coumadin®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetic patients, specific instructions will be reviewed.
What can I expect on the day of my esophageal motility study?
You will be asked to check in at the endoscopy facility at least half an hour before the exam on the day of your procedure. This is to account for time to fill out paperwork and undergo preparations for the assessment.
When you enter the treatment room, you will lie down on a patient exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be numbed with a numbing gel. A member of our medical team will then gently place a narrow catheter into the nose. As the device is placed into the esophagus, you will be encouraged to swallow to enlarge the opening to the esophagus. Our staff will station the catheter to evaluate the contractile ability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Our team will then assess the contractile ability of the muscles in other parts of the esophagus. When we reach this state of the motility assessment, you will be prompted to swallow 10 – 20 sips of water. Once this is done, you will have finished the evaluation and the tube will be taken out. In most cases, the assessment will take approximately 30 – 60 minutes.
Since no sedation is administered for the test, you will be allowed to exit the endoscopy center once it is complete. In most situations, individuals are able to eat and drink normally after being discharged from the endoscopy center, but instructions pertaining to activity, medications, and eating will be given by our staff before discharge.
When will I get the results of my esophageal manometry test?
Once the procedure is done, our computer system will need time to generate charts and graphs from the data taken from the exam. Because of this, the findings of your test will not be ready right away. The test results will be read by your doctor at a future date. You will most likely be contacted by your provider at our Arkansas office within seven days to discuss the esophageal manometry assessment conclusions.
Are there any risks with an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal manometry is considered to be very safe. Complications happen in fewer than 1% of patients. The majority of complications do not tend to be fatal; however, should a complication develop, it may lead to a hospital stay and surgery. Before we start the process, a consent form will be discussed with you by the healthcare staff at GI Alliance of Arkansas.
Piercing or perforation of the esophagus is a significantly uncommon event but can arise. This may be noticed during the procedure, or it might not be found until later in the day. In the majority of cases, a perforation will lead to hospitalization and surgery.
It is imperative that you contact the physician's office promptly in the event any symptoms arise in the wake of the exam, including bleeding, fever, or increasing abdominal pain.
Much like with any other assessment, an esophageal motility study is not perfect. There exists a small, inherent risk that irregularities could not be noticed throughout the assessment. It is important to periodically follow up with your doctors as recommended and talk with them about any ongoing or new concerns.
What are alternatives to an esophageal motility test?
To some degree, any alternative options you have will be based on the purpose behind scheduling the esophageal motility assessment. For the majority of individuals, an esophageal motility exam is the preferred option to measure the muscle function of the esophagus. However, an x-ray called an esophagram, either on its own or coupled with a barium swallow/upper GI, can additionally assess the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to evaluate symptoms
If you or someone you know has problems such as trouble swallowing, acid reflux, or chest pain, then an esophageal motility evaluation might help your gastroenterologist get a better idea of your condition and the best way to approach treatment. In order to speak with a doctor to receive this beneficial test, reach out to GI Alliance of Arkansas. A board-certified group of digestive health specialists, we operate with a patient-focused approach that enables us to deliver the utmost standard of care. To discover more about esophageal manometry in Arkansas, please contact our staff today.
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I have been a patient with Dr. Vinson for 10 years. He is the best doctor I have ever had. He listens, doesn't judge, and has my best interest at heart. His nurse, Haleigh, is an absolute delight and works extremely hard to get anything that is needed done. She always answers my questions and is happy to assist in anyway I need her. I actually look forward to seeing them and feel extremely lucky to have 2 such amazing people in charge of my care!!
Kevin O'Keefe is absolutely amazing! He saved my life, I was in such poor shape with my Ulcerative Colitis. I was referred to him from my primary care (I was in really bad shape after over a year with a gastroenterologist that didn't really hear/listen to me). He was fast to get me on meds and if that didn't work we quickly moved on to the next! He is kind, compassionate, and he really listens. I highly recommend!
Shelley Cochran had been a superior caregiver to me for new throat issues. Working with terrific Dr Pascall creates perfect care team for me!
This is my first visit and the Lpn was very nice and friendly. She is very careing. I hope they can find what the problem is with my torso
Everyone was very friendly and caring. It was a great place to have the procedure
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