Motility

Esophageal Disorders

Esophageal manometry is useful in the diagnosis of motility disease or dysfunction of the esophagus and upper of lower esophageal sphincters. Esophageal Spasm may cause severe chest pain and lack of LES function may cause gastroesphageal reflux symptoms.

Patients are asked to be NPO for 6-8 hours. Sedatives and topical anesthetics are deferred because they may interfere with esophageal motor function. An esophageal motility cannula is inserted into the patients nose and into the stomach. As the cannula is withdrawn, the patient is asked to swallow and a graph measures the patients motility and sphincter function. Dilute HCL dripped thru the cannula can reproduce symptoms of reflux that may or may not be apparent on EGD exam.

Motility Cannula	Motility Graph

From:  Endoscopy: " An Insiders Look" by Krista M. Stayton, RN.  Used with permission.