Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Little Rock, AR
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility studies at GastroArkansas are evaluations performed to measure the contractile and relaxation function of the esophagus. To conduct the procedure, a narrow and pliable tube will be placed into the esophagus through the nose. A motility evaluation can be carried out to help identify the cause of:
- Chest pain
- Prior to undergoing esophageal surgery
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation
- Esophageal spasm
To connect with a gastrointestinal (GI) physician who can perform an esophageal manometry or motility assessment in Little Rock, AR, please reach out to our GI practice today.
What should I expect the day before my esophageal motility test?
The day before your esophageal motility study, you will be provided with information and instructions from your GastroArkansas physician discussing the necessary preparations. The majority of patients will be permitted to eat as normal on the day before the study. You will be asked not to ingest anything by mouth after 12:00 am (midnight) except for medications. It is extremely critical to adhere to the instructions provided to you by your practitioner. Additional instructions regarding your medications will also be discussed. Most of the time, your medications will not change. For some patients, however, especially in those who take blood thinners, (i.e. Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, special instructions will be provided.
What happens on the day of the esophageal motility test?
On the day of your esophageal motility test, you will be instructed to come to the endoscopy center 30 minutes ahead of your test. This is to allow time to complete patient forms and prepare for the motility test.
After entering the treatment room, you will be asked to lie back on a patient exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be numbed with lidocaine. We will then gently guide a slender tube into the nostril. As the device is advanced into the esophagus, you will be asked to swallow to help enlarge the opening to the esophageal area. Our staff will adjust the catheter to measure the contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Our team will then assess the squeeze of the muscles of the body of the esophagus. During this portion of the motility exam, you will be prompted to drink 10 – 20 small sips of water. Once this is done, you will have finished the evaluation and the catheter will be withdrawn. In most cases, the procedure will last under an hour.
Since there is no sedation for the evaluation, you will be free to leave the endoscopy unit right after it is finished. In most cases, patients can drink and eat normally after being released from the endoscopy center, but specific instructions pertaining to medications, physical activity, and eating will be given to you prior to discharge.
When will I get the results of my esophageal manometry test?
Because the computer must create charts and graphs from the input collected during the study, the test results will not be ready for review until after you leave the endoscopy center. Your study results will be read by the provider at a subsequent time. You will most likely be contacted by your practitioner at our Little Rock, AR facility within one week to discuss your esophageal manometry evaluation conclusions.
What are the risks with an esophageal manometry test?
Esophageal manometry assessments are generally regarded as very safe procedures. Complications affect less than 1% of individuals. In most instances, such complications are not fatal, however, if a complication develops, it could lead to a hospital stay and surgery. Prior to when we perform the evaluation, a consent form will be explained to the patient by the nursing staff at GastroArkansas.
Puncture or perforation of the esophageal structure is a significantly unlikely side effect but it can happen. This could be observed at some point during the test, or it may not be apparent until further into the day. In the majority of cases, a perforation will result in surgery and a hospital stay for repair.
It is extremely essential that the individual call the physician's office promptly should issues or symptoms arise in the wake of the test, such as fever, increasing abdominal pain, or bleeding.
Similar to any other procedure, an esophageal motility evaluation is not perfect. There is a small, accepted risk that abnormalities may not be detected throughout the exam. It is essential to periodically visit your physician as recommended and let them know about any chronic or newly developed symptoms.
Are there alternatives to an esophageal motility exam?
To a certain extent, the option for alternative procedures will be based on the reason for needing to complete an esophageal motility evaluation. In most instances, an esophageal motility exam is the most effective method to observe the contractile function of the esophagus. However, an x-ray known as an esophagram, either alone or coupled with a barium swallow/upper GI procedure, can additionally evaluate the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to assess symptoms
If you or a member of your family notices problems such as trouble swallowing, regurgitation, or chest pain, an esophageal motility test can help your provider gain a deeper understanding of the issue and determine the best way to identify and address the issue. To speak with a physician to learn more about this test, please reach out to us at GastroArkansas. As an experienced group of GI physicians, we work with a patient-centric mentality that enables us to perform with the highest standard of care. To hear more about esophageal manometry in Little Rock, AR, please call our facility today.
Reviews
This is the friendliest and most refreshing clinic I've ever been in. As soon as you come in you're greeted with a friendly face and smile. When I say everyone was so nice, every visit. Be prepared to be treated like a person and not just a patient or clinic. Love it ladies, may you all be blessed....
Gastro of Arkansas is a good place and we appreciate all they do for us Amanda and the staff in the Bryant Springhill office caring and kind and work hard to get us well and what we need. Dr Johnson has been my doctor for many years and I would recommend them for any problem you have in Gastroenterology.
I seen Amanda Allen, APRN for the first time. She was very nice. I have a history of gastrointestinal issues. She was very thorough and listened to all of my concerns. She set up all of my necessary tests and procedures. I would highly recommend seeing her. She is a great asset for Dr. Nutt.
I have been seeing Dr. Morrison for years. She is a compassionate doctor who sometimes needs a little nudging for necessary care that she considers extreme (in my case, anyway) but I appreciate that. I especially like going to the new location on Cantrell. The patient is greeted promptly and does no have to wait long to be seen by her.
Dr Backstedt is a very pleasant person. He also listens to you. I would recommend him.
1713
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating