Jackson Hospital | Partners | Summer 2018

6 Jackson Hospital The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal manometry is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to show how well the esophagus is working. During esophageal manometry, a thin catheter containing sensors is passed through the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach. The purpose of esophageal manometry is to visualize the patient swallowing liquids in real time. Sensors in the manometry catheter track fluid and movement down the esopha- gus. The results of the sensors show up on a computer screen that shows the Seeing is relieving Esophageal manometry shows what happens when you swallow and how well the esophagus is working different pressures in the esophagus. The computer can show if the patient is ex- periencing reflux, difficulty swallowing or even a certain hernia that might be caus- ing a patient gastrointestinal problems. Quick and easy The benefits of this procedure are that it is minimally invasive, there is no down- time following it, and it can be done as an outpatient procedure. There is no an- esthesia given, so there is no monitoring to be done afterward. The physician has the ability to look at the patients’ results right after completion and can make a determination about how the patient is swallowing and make further recom- mendations if necessary for additional treatment. After the patient is quickly assessed and a set of vital signs is obtained, the procedure is ready to begin. The proce- dure only takes about 10 to 15 min- utes to complete. The only preparation really required is for the patient to not eat or drink past midnight and to be off certain medications that might inhibit the results. The patient can even drive themselves home following the procedure.