Esophageal Manometry (Motility Tests) in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility test?
Esophageal motility studies at GI Alliance of Illinois are tests carried out to measure the contractile abilities of the esophagus. To perform the examination, a slim and pliable catheter will be inserted into to nose and down to the esophagus. This form of motility study may be recommended to help determine the reason for:
- Pain in the chest area
- Regurgitation
- Swallowing difficulties
- Esophageal spasm
- Prior to esophageal surgery
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
To meet with a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor who can perform an esophageal motility assessment or esophageal manometry in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, reach out to a GI Alliance of Illinois location near you today.
What happens the day before an esophageal motility test?
The day before your esophageal motility study, you will receive instructions from your GI Alliance of Illinois provider explaining how to prepare for the exam. Most patients will be allowed to eat regularly the day before the study. You will be instructed not to consume any food or beverages by mouth after midnight apart from medications. It is highly essential to follow the instructions and information given to you by your gastroenterology doctor. Further instructions concerning your medications will also be given to you. In the majority of situations, your medications will not change. For some patients, however, especially in individuals on anticoagulant medications, (i.e. Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetic patients, certain instructions will be administered.
What can I expect on the day of the esophageal motility study?
On the day of your esophageal motility study, you will need to enter the endoscopy facility half an hour before the study. This is to allow time to complete forms and be prepped for the exam.
Upon entering the treatment area, you will be asked to lie on an exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be numbed with lidocaine. A member of our healthcare team will then gently insert a slender tube into the nostril. As the catheter is advanced into the esophagus, you will be asked to swallow to help enlarge the opening to the esophageal area. Our team will initially adjust the device to assess the contractile ability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The nurse will then evaluate the contraction of the remaining esophageal muscles. At this stage of the motility study, you will be required to drink 10 – 20 small sips of water. After this, you will be finished with the exam and the catheter will be removed. In most instances, the study will be completed within 30 – 60 minutes.
Since there is no sedation for the test, you will be allowed to leave the endoscopy center as soon as you are finished. In most cases, individuals can eat and drink as usual after their discharge from the endoscopy center, but instructions regarding medications, physical activity, and eating will be given by our staff before discharge.
When will I receive the results of my esophageal manometry study?
Because the computer program will develop graphs and tables from the data gathered throughout the test, the results of the test will not be processed until after you are discharged from the endoscopy center. Your study results will be read by your doctor at a later time. You are likely to hear from your Illinois provider within one week with your esophageal manometry test findings.
What are the risks of an esophageal motility test?
Esophageal manometry testing is considered to be a very safe procedure. Complications are seen in less than 1% of patients. Most complications are not fatal. However, if a complication develops, it could result in surgery and a hospital stay. Before the start of the assessment, a consent form will be explained to the patient by the medical team at GI Alliance of Illinois.
Perforation or puncture of the esophageal structure is a very unlikely complication but can occur. This might be detected at the time of the procedure, or it may not be found until later in the day. In most situations, a perforation will require surgery and a hospital stay.
It is very important that you contact the doctor’s office immediately if any issues or symptoms arise after the conclusion of the test, including worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Similar to any other evaluation, an esophageal motility procedure is not flawless. There exists a slight, acknowledged risk that problems might go undetected throughout the procedure. It is important to periodically follow up with your provider as advised and inform them of any new or ongoing issues.
Are there alternatives to an esophageal motility test?
To some extent, any alternative options will be dependent upon the purpose for needing to undergo the esophageal motility assessment. For most individuals, the esophageal motility study is the most effective way to observe the muscle function of the esophagus. However, an x-ray image known as an esophagram, either by itself or in the course of a barium swallow/upper GI procedure, can additionally allow doctors to evaluate the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to assess symptoms
If you or a family member has symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or regurgitation, an esophageal manometry test may help your medical provider gain a better understanding of the issue and the best approach to identify and treat the problem. In order to locate a provider to receive this beneficial test, contact GI Alliance of Illinois. A physician-led network of digestive health specialists, we proudly take a patient-focused mentality that allows us to offer the best possible care. To find out more about esophageal manometry in Illinois, please contact a GI Alliance of Illinois location near you.
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