Esophageal Manometry in San Antonio, TX
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
An esophageal motility study at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates is an assessment conducted to analyze the contractile and relaxation abilities of the esophagus. To perform the examination, a slim and flexible tube will be moved through the nose into the esophagus. This type of assessment might be recommended to help diagnose the reason behind:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Regurgitation
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Pain in the chest area
- Esophageal spasm
- Or prior to esophageal surgery
To connect with a gastrointestinal specialist who can perform an esophageal manometry procedure or motility study in San Antonio, TX, call one of our gastroenterology locations today.
What should I expect the day before an esophageal motility study?
Before your esophageal motility test, you will be provided with instructions and information from your San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates provider regarding the necessary steps and preparation process to follow. Most often, patients will be allowed to eat as they normally do the day prior to the exam. You will be instructed not to consume anything after midnight except for medications. It is very important to follow the instructions and information provided to you by your GI specialist. Further instructions regarding your medications will also be provided. In most cases, your medication schedule will continue as usual. However, in certain circumstances, particularly if you are on anticoagulant medications, (for example Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, warfarin, anti-inflammatories) or have diabetes, special instructions will be discussed.
What can I expect on the day of my esophageal motility test?
You will be instructed to enter the endoscopy center 30 minutes prior to your esophageal manometry test. This is to provide enough time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the exam.
Once in the treatment area, you will be asked to lie down on an exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be anesthetized with a numbing solution. A member of our healthcare team will then gently position a slender tube into the nose. As the tube is placed into the esophagus, you will need to swallow to help open the esophageal area. We will adjust the tube to measure the contractile ability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Our team will then assess the contractile ability of the remaining esophageal muscles. We will then ask you to swallow 10 – 20 small sips of water. Once this is completed, you will be finished with the exam, and the catheter will be withdrawn. In general, the assessment will be completed in approximately 30-60 minutes.
Since sedation is not necessary for the evaluation, you will be free to leave the endoscopy center after you are finished. Many individuals are able to eat and drink as usual after being discharged from the endoscopy center, but detailed instructions pertaining to medications, physical activity, and food will be explained to you before discharge.
When will I get the results of my esophageal manometry test?
Because the computer program will produce charts and graphs from the data obtained during the evaluation, the outcomes of the test will not be available to read until after you leave the endoscopy unit. Your assessment results will be interpreted by the physician at a future time. You are likely to hear from your practitioner at one of our San Antonio, TX locations within a week to go over your esophageal motility assessment findings.
Are there any risks of an esophageal manometry study?
An esophageal motility study is considered to be a safe procedure. Treatment complications affect less than 1% of patients. In most instances, the complications are not life-threatening; however, should a complication occur, it could result in surgery and being hospitalized. Prior to the study, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the nursing staff at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates.
Puncture or perforation of the esophagus is a highly uncommon complication, but it can happen. This can be found at some point during the test, or it may not be noticeable until later in the day. In the majority of cases, a puncture will require hospitalization and surgery.
It is vital that you contact the provider's office right away should symptoms occur after the exam, including worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
Similar to any other assessment, an esophageal motility procedure is not flawless. There exists a small, acknowledged risk that health issues could be overlooked during the assessment. It is imperative to visit your physician as recommended and talk with them about any new or chronic symptoms.
What are alternatives to an esophageal motility study?
To an extent, the alternatives to this type of exam will depend on the reason for needing to complete an esophageal manometry evaluation to begin with. In most cases, an esophageal motility study is the preferred method to assess the contractile function of the esophagus. Although, an x-ray image called an esophagram, either by itself or as part of an upper GI/barium swallow procedure, can also assess the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to evaluate conditions
If you have issues such as chest pain, regurgitation, or trouble swallowing, then an esophageal motility procedure might help your provider better understand the concern and identify the best approach to address it. In order to find a GI provider to learn more about this test, contact a San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location near you. As a skilled team of gastroenterologists, we work with a patient-centric approach that enables us to offer the utmost standard of care. For further details about esophageal manometry in San Antonio, TX, please contact our team today.
Reviews
I've been with Dr. Franklin for 10+ yrs and he is an amazing doctor. His bedside manners are superior.
Dr Alvarez was very interested in what I was going through. He ordered test which I need to put my mind at ease.
Dr. Guerra and his staff were excellent He took the time to explain the procedure and what to expect during and after. Nurse Ana was excellent at keeping me clam prior to my procedures. Additionally, my wait time from my arrival to the finish was excellent. I recommend Dr. Guerra highly along with staff.
Nice, friendly, clean, hardly any waiting The atmosphere was good and welcoming also
Good doctors I'm very happy here
2456
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating