Esophageal manometry

This test involves placing a tube into the esophagus to measure esophageal contractions and LES (valve at the bottom of the esophagus) pressures. A new type of tube can now be placed for 24 hours along with the pH probe to further sort out the exact events associated with reflux of acid into the esophagus, including LES pressure at the time of reflux and esophageal clearing of acid or contractions during the episode. This test is usually obtained along with the esophageal pH as part of an evaluation for anti-reflux surgery. If esophageal contractions are abnormal, then this may influence the type of anti-reflux surgery performed.