Oesophageal manometry
INFORMATION ON OESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY
Dear patient, You are scheduled for an oesophageal manometry. For the purpose of this examination and appended hereto, you have received the following: an information sheet and a declaration of consent. Please make sure to read these documents attentively as soon as you receive them. The health question form and the declaration of consent will be kept in your medical records. The information sheet contains information relating to the test procedure and its related goals and risks. Please read it attentively. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any further questions as to the necessity and urgency of the examination, possible alternatives, and inherent risks. The doctor who prescribed the examination will be able to answer most of these questions. You may also contact us with specific questions relating to technical aspects or particular issues of the examination, as necessary. If you would like to contact me, please do so well ahead of time. You can also contact your attending physician. The information sheet is provided for your personal use and you may keep it. We kindly request that you fill in, date, and sign the consent declaration. Please bring it with you on the day of the examination. If problems arise or if you have any questions, please contact us or discuss them with your doctor.
What is stationary oesophageal manometry?
An oesophageal manometry (pressure measurement) is an examination conducted to assess the pressure (contraction force) along the oesophagus and the degree of opening or closing of the lower oesophageal sphincter (stomach entrance). Oesophageal manometry is an essential test to measure and assess oesophageal motility disorders. However, oesophageal disorders can be intermittent in nature, and therefore impossible to detect at the moment of the manometry examination. Possible anomalies in the opening and closing of the lower oesophageal sphincter can be detected. The examination is recommended for patients who experience difficulty swallowing or who are about to undergo surgery for a hiatus hernia or for gastrooesophageal reflux. The test is an ambulatory examination that lasts approximately 30 minutes. A thin probe is inserted through the nose into the oesophagus and the function of your oesophagus is measured with water-based tests. To facilitate the introduction of the probe, a spray is used to anaesthetise your nose.
How do I prepare for an oesophageal manometry?
For the examination of your oesophagus, your stomach must be perfectly empty and you cannot drink or eat anything for at least six hours before the examination. You must continue to take the medication prescribed by your attending physician, and swallow your pills with small sips of water. On the day of the examination, remember to tell us about the medication you are taking. Afterwards, you must follow strict fasting instructions. The administration of medication that affects oesophageal motility must be interrupted, whenever possible, at least 12 hours before the examination. This medication includes: Nitroderivatives: e.g. Trinitrine®, Calcium channel antagonists: e.g. Adalate®, Isoptine® Anticholinergic medication: e.g. Atropine, Prokinetic medication: e.g. Primpéran®, Motilium®, Psychotropic medication: e.g. benzodiazepine, barbiturates, antidepressants, antipsychotics Other: theophylline, adrenergic agonists and antagonists, progesterone, opiates
HOW IS AN OESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY CONDUCTED?
Local anaesthesia of the nostril is performed. The insertion of the manometry probe is therefore painless, although gag reflexes and coughing remain active and the introduction can be perceived as unpleasant. The manometry probe is inserted in the oesophagus until all the pressure sensors are in position inside the gastric cavity. The proper positioning is confirmed by a deep inhalation that translates into a rise of all the pressure curves. Then you will remain in a semi-seated position and we will ask you to regularly swallow small sips of water so that we can measure your oesophageal function. Pressure is measured at the level of the lower oesophageal sphincter at rest and during swallowing, and at other locations of the oesophagus, in order to assess your response to swallowing. Oesophageal peristalsis (i.e. the contraction waves travelling though the oesophagus when it contracts upon swallowing) is assessed. What happens after oesophageal manometry? No particular supervision is required after the examination. There is no administration of sedatives during the examination and you will be able to drive normally afterwards.
The doctor who conducts the test will receive in the following week a report containing proposed additional medical investigations and/or therapeutic proposals.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY?
In a usually healthy patient who is not taking blood-thinning medication and who does not suffer from any particular heart condition, the examination is considered as non-dangerous. Local reactions to anaesthetics are possible, although rare. A slight irritation of the nose and throat remains possible, but is generally short-lived. If you experience any issues after the examination, please contact us or your attending physician immediately.
Do you have any other questions? If you have further questions about the scheduled examination, please contact your attending physician. If they are unable to answer your questions, please contact us. 02/614.37.10
