Oesophageal manometry is used to assess pressure and motor function of the oesophagus & its ability to push solid and liquids from your mouth into your stomach. Oesophageal manometry may be used to evaluate the causes of and help diagnose conditions such as:

• Gastric reflux
• Difficulty swallowing
• Functional chest pain
• Achalasia
• Hiatal hernia

The procedure:

Local anaesthetic is used to numb the nose & throat. A slimline catheter is passed through one nostril, down the oesophagus and into the stomach.

Small amounts of food and water are administered and the catheter records the muscle activity of the oesophagus, while swallowing.

Patient preparation:

Day of the procedure:

• Fasting (nothing to eat or drink) 4 hours prior to your appointment.