The esophageal manometry test measures the motor action of the lower esophageal sphincter, and esophageal body. A catheter measures esophageal pressure and records the duration and sequence of contractions.

A thin tube is passed through your mouth or nose and into the stomach. This tube is made so that pressure measurements may be taken at intervals along the tube. The outer end of the tube is attached to a pressure transducer (an instrument that will record the pressure). The tube is pulled slowly back into the esophagus. The high pressure zone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a sphincter muscle that acts as a valve to prevent reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, is recorded. When the tube is in the esophagus, the person will be asked to swallow. The swallowing wave will be recorded. There may be other tests done. The tube is removed after the tests are completed.

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

The LES pressure is normal and relaxes during a swallow. The pattern of muscle contractions is systematic and coordinated during a swallow.

Abnormal results may indicate achalasia (a failure of LES relaxation, causing the esophagus to become dilated and filled with retained food), diffuse esophageal spasm, lack of muscle coordination, and other neurologic or muscular disorders involving the esophagus.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• gastroesophageal reflux disease

People with swallowing difficulty are always at risk for aspiration pneumonia (saliva or gastric acid may be inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed properly). The presence of the tube in the esophagus may cause increased salivation, increasing the risk for aspiration.