Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility studies at Colorado Gastroenterology are assessments carried out to measure the contractile function of the esophagus. To administer the test, a thin and flexible tube will be positioned into the nose and down to the esophagus. This form of motility assessment may be performed to help identify the cause of:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Pain in the chest area
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Prior to undergoing esophageal surgery
- Esophageal spasm
- Regurgitation
To meet with a gastroenterology specialist who can conduct an esophageal manometry or esophageal motility study in Denver, CO, please reach out to our gastroenterology team.
What happens the day before my esophageal motility study?
You will get instructions and information from your Colorado Gastroenterology doctor explaining the necessary preparations. Generally, patients will be permitted to eat normally the day before the evaluation. Patients will be prompted not to consume anything by mouth after 12:00am (midnight) except for medications. It is highly critical to follow the information and instructions stated by your gastroenterology physician. Specific instructions regarding any medications you take will also be explained. In most cases, your medication schedule will not be altered. However, in certain cases, particularly in people who take anticoagulants, (for example aspirin, anti-inflammatories, warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix) and in diabetic patients, special instructions will be given when you schedule your study in our Denver, CO office.
What happens on the day of my esophageal motility study?
On the day of your esophageal motility study at Colorado Gastroenterology, you will be asked to come to the endoscopy facility half an hour prior to the exam. This is to allow time to complete forms and get ready for the study.
Upon entering the procedure room, you will need to lie back on an exam table. One of your nostrils will be anesthetized with a solution. A member of our healthcare team will then place a narrow tube into your nostril. As the device is placed into the esophagus, you will be required to swallow in an effort open up the esophageal area. Our team will station the device to evaluate the squeeze of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Our staff will then assess the contractile ability of the remaining esophageal muscles. When we reach this state of the motility evaluation, you will be prompted to swallow 10 – 20 small sips of water. After this is completed, the process will be finished and the catheter will be taken out. In general, the procedure in our Denver, CO office will last around 30-60 minutes.
Since there is no sedation for the exam, you will be free to leave the endoscopy unit once the process is finished. Most patients can drink and eat normally following their release from the endoscopy center, but certain instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be given to the patient prior to discharge.
When will I learn the results of my esophageal manometry exam?
Considering that the computer must construct graphs and charts from the information obtained during the procedure, the results of the test will not be available until after you leave the endoscopy unit. Your evaluation results will be reviewed by your GI physician at Colorado Gastroenterology at a later time. You should hear from your practitioner at our Denver, CO office within one week to discuss your esophageal motility exam results.
What are the risks of an esophageal manometry study?
Esophageal manometry studies are generally are a very safe process in our Denver, CO office. Complications affect less than 1% of individuals. In most instances, any complications do not tend to be fatal, but if a complication take place, it may lead to surgery and hospitalization. Before the process, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the nursing staff at Colorado Gastroenterology.
Puncture or perforation of the esophagus is a highly uncommon event but can happen. This might be observed at the time of the procedure, or it might not be evident until later in the day. In most cases, a perforation will lead to a hospital stay and surgery for repair.
It is very vital that the individual contact the physician's office right away should symptoms arise after the test, such as worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Similar to any other assessment, an esophageal motility evaluation is not perfect. There is a small, acknowledged risk that health concerns might not be detected during the procedure. We urge you to continually schedule appointments with your healthcare practitioners as advised and let them know about any new or chronic concerns.
What are alternatives to an esophageal motility exam?
To a certain extent, the option for alternative procedures at Colorado Gastroenterology will be based on the purpose of needing to have an esophageal manometry study. For most individuals in Denver, CO, an esophageal manometry test is the preferred way to measure the contractile abilities of the esophagus. Although, an x-ray image called an esophagram, while alone or in the course of an upper GI/barium swallow procedure, can additionally assess the esophagus as well.
An esophageal motility study to evaluate problems
If you or a member of your family experience symptoms such as regurgitation, chest pain, or trouble swallowing, an esophageal manometry evaluation might help your medical provider better understand the concern and determine the best approach to address the problem. To locate a doctor to undergo this test, contact Colorado Gastroenterology. As an experienced team of GI physicians, we work with a patient-focused mentality that enables us to perform with the utmost standard of care. To hear more about esophageal manometry in Denver, CO, please contact our team today.
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