Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility studies at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC are tests conducted to measure the contractile and relaxation function of the esophagus. To perform the test, a narrow and bendable tube will be positioned into the nose and down to the esophagus. An esophageal motility assessment may be conducted before undergoing esophageal surgery or to assist in the diagnosis of the following:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Regurgitation
- Esophageal spasm
- Chest pain
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
To locate a gastroenterologist who can administer an esophageal motility study or esophageal manometry procedure in Hattiesburg, MS contact us today.
What should I expect the day before my esophageal motility test?
You will get information and instructions from your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC provider outlining the necessary steps and preparation to follow. Most often, patients will be allowed to eat normally up to the day before the study. Patients will be instructed not to consume any food or beverages by mouth after midnight except for medications. It is very important to follow the information and instructions stated by your provider. Additional instructions regarding medications you might be taking will also be discussed. In most cases, your medication regimen will not change. However, in certain circumstances, particularly in individuals on anticoagulant medications, (i.e. Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, warfarin, anti-inflammatories) and in those with diabetes, special instructions will be provided.
What happens on the day of my esophageal motility test?
On the day of your esophageal motility test, you will be instructed to come to the endoscopy center half an hour before the exam. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and be prepped for the motility test.
When you enter the treatment room, you will be instructed to lie down on an exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be numbed with a numbing solution. We will then place a narrow catheter into your nostril. As the tube is positioned into the esophagus, you will be required to swallow to enlarge the opening to the esophageal area. The nurse will initially adjust the tube to evaluate the contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. We will then measure the squeeze of the remaining esophageal muscles. When we reach this portion of the motility test, you will be asked to swallow 10 – 20 small sips of water. After this is completed, the procedure will be complete and the catheter will be taken out. In most instances, the process will take about 30 – 60 minutes.
Since sedation is not administered for the study, you will be allowed to leave the endoscopy unit right after you are finished. In most situations, patients can drink and eat as usual following their discharge from the endoscopy unit, but detailed instructions regarding medications, physical activity, and eating will be explained to you ahead of discharge.
When will I receive the results of my esophageal motility exam?
Because the computer program will develop graphs and tables from the input collected throughout your assessment, the outcomes of the test will not be processed until after you leave the endoscopy center. The study results will be read by the provider at a later time. You should get a call from your Hattiesburg, MS provider within one week to go over the esophageal manometry test results.
What are the risks with an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal manometry assessments are considered to be a safe process. Complications affect fewer than 1% of patients. In most instances, such complications are not life-threatening, but if a complication does occur, it could lead to hospitalization and surgery. Before we begin the evaluation, a consent form will be discussed with the individual by the healthcare staff at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC.
Perforation or piercing of the esophagus is a very uncommon effect but can arise. This might be observed at some point during the exam, or it might not be evident until further into the day. In the majority of cases, a puncture will require surgery and hospitalization.
It is extremely important that the individual contact the provider's office immediately in the event symptoms develop in the wake of the exam, such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
As is the case with any other assessment, an esophageal motility test is not flawless. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that abnormalities might not be identified throughout the evaluation. It is essential to continually schedule appointments with your medical practitioners per their instructions and discuss with them any ongoing or new symptoms.
Are there alternatives to an esophageal motility exam?
To some extent, alternative testing options will depend on the purpose behind needing an esophageal motility test. For the majority of individuals, an esophageal motility study is the preferred method to evaluate the contractile function of the esophagus. However, an x-ray called an esophagram, by itself or coupled with an upper GI/barium swallow, can additionally enable doctors to evaluate the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to assess symptoms
If you or a member of your family has issues such as trouble swallowing, regurgitation, or chest pain, an esophageal motility evaluation can help your provider better assess the problem and determine the ideal way to identify and treat the problem. To locate a provider and hear more about this test, please contact Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. As an experienced network of gastrointestinal specialists, we pride ourselves on having a patient-centric mentality that allows us to provide the highest standard of care. For further details about esophageal manometry in Hattiesburg, MS, please reach out to our staff today.
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