Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility studies at Digestive Health Center are evaluations performed to observe the contractile function of the esophagus. To conduct the procedure, a thin and flexible catheter will be positioned into to nose and down to the esophagus. Reasons an esophageal motility assessment might be carried out include:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Esophageal spasm
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Before undergoing esophageal surgery
To locate a gastrointestinal specialist who can conduct an esophageal manometry or esophageal motility study in Ocean Springs, MS, please reach out to a location near you.
What can I expect the day before my esophageal motility test?
Before your esophageal motility test, you will receive information and instructions from your Digestive Health Center provider explaining the necessary steps and preparations. Generally, patients will be permitted to eat normally the day before the evaluation. You will be asked not to ingest anything by mouth after midnight except for medications. It is essential to follow the information and instructions stated by your provider. Further instructions regarding your medications will also be explained. In the majority of situations, your medication schedule will not change. However, specific instructions will be given in certain instances, especially in patients on anticoagulants (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetic patients.
What happens on the day of my esophageal motility study?
You will be asked to enter the endoscopy center 30 minutes before the test. This will allow time to complete paperwork and be prepped for the motility assessment.
After entering the treatment area, you will be instructed to lie on an exam table. One of your nostrils will be anesthetized with a numbing gel. Our team will then place a thin catheter into your nostril. As the tube is positioned into the esophagus, you will be asked to swallow to help open the esophageal area. We will initially position the device to measure the squeeze of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. Our team will then gauge the contraction of the other esophageal muscles. During this portion of the motility assessment, you will be prompted to drink 10 – 20 small sips of water. Once this is done, the exam will be finished, and the tube will be removed. Typically, the evaluation will be completed in under an hour.
Since sedation is not necessary for the study, you will be free to leave the endoscopy unit once it is complete. In most situations, individuals can drink and eat normally after being released from the endoscopy unit; however, specific instructions surrounding activity, eating, and medications will be provided by our staff prior to discharge.
When will I receive the results of my esophageal motility exam?
Because the computer program will produce charts and graphs from the input collected throughout your study, the test results will not be ready for review until you are released from the endoscopy center. Your provider will review the assessment results at a later time. You should hear from your Ocean Springs, MS GI specialist within a week to discuss the esophageal motility test results.
Are there any risks with an esophageal manometry test?
Esophageal manometry tests are generally regarded as a safe process. Complications occur in fewer than 1% of individuals. Most complications are not life-threatening, however, should a complication occur, it could result in surgery and a hospital stay. Before we administer the evaluation, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the Digestive Health Center medical staff.
Puncture or perforation of the esophageal tissues can occur, but it is a highly uncommon complication. This could be observed during the exam, or it might not be evident until further into the day. In most situations, a puncture will lead to surgery and a hospital stay.
It is imperative that the patient contacts the provider's office immediately if any symptoms develop following the exam, such as fever, bleeding, or abdominal pain that worsens.
Similar to any other evaluation, an esophageal motility test is not flawless. There exists a slight, acknowledged risk that problems might go unnoticed at the time of the procedure. It is essential to continually follow up with your provider per their recommendations and discuss any ongoing or new issues with them.
Are there alternatives to an esophageal motility exam?
To some extent, any alternative options will be determined based on the purpose behind needing an esophageal manometry assessment. For most individuals, the esophageal motility assessment is the ideal option to observe the contractile abilities of the esophagus. Although, an x-ray known as an esophagram, either by itself or in conjunction with a barium swallow/upper GI procedure, can also evaluate the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to assess symptoms
If you or a loved one encounters issues such as chest pain, regurgitation, or trouble swallowing, an esophageal motility assessment can help your healthcare provider better analyze the problem and identify the best way to address the condition. To talk with a provider who performs this test, please reach out to your nearby Digestive Health Center location. As a physician-led team of gastrointestinal providers, we proudly take a patient-centric approach that allows us to provide the highest standard of care. For further details about esophageal manometry in Ocean Springs, MS, please call a nearby location in your community today.
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