Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility studies at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology are assessments performed to evaluate the contractile and relaxation function of the esophagus. To administer the test, a slim and flexible tube will be placed through the nose into the esophagus. This form of motility assessment may be carried out to help determine the causative factor(s) of:
- Regurgitation
- Trouble with swallowing
- Chest pain
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Esophageal spasm
- Before undergoing esophageal surgery
To consult with a gastroenterologist who can conduct an esophageal motility assessment or esophageal manometry in Indianapolis, IN, get in touch with our GI office.
What should I expect the day before my esophageal motility study?
You will get instructions from your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology physician outlining the necessary preparations. Generally, patients will be permitted to eat normally the day prior to the test. You will be instructed not to inject anything by mouth after midnight except for medications. It is very important to follow the instructions and information provided to you by your GI doctor. Further instructions concerning any medications you take will also be provided. The majority of the time, your medication schedule will not be altered. However, in certain circumstances, especially in those on blood thinners, (i.e. Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in patients with diabetes, specific instructions will be given.
What happens on the day of the study?
On the day of your test, you will be instructed to enter the endoscopy center 30 minutes before the evaluation. This is to allow time to complete paperwork and be prepped for the exam.
When you enter the procedure room, you will lie back on a patient exam table. Either your right or left nostril will be anesthetized with a number solution. A member of our medical team will then gently place a slender tube into your nose. As the device is positioned into the esophagus, you will be prompted to swallow to help open the esophagus. We will adjust the tube to measure the contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Our team will then assess the contraction of the remaining esophageal muscles. During this stage of the motility assessment, you will be required to swallow 10 – 20 small sips of water. Once this is completed, the procedure will be complete and the tube will be taken out. In general, the process will take around 30-60 minutes.
Because sedation is not administered for the evaluation, you will be able to leave the endoscopy center as soon as the process is finished. In most situations, patients are able to drink and eat as usual following their discharge from the endoscopy unit, however, instructions regarding eating, medications, and activity will be discussed by our staff prior to discharge.
When will I get the results of my esophageal motility study?
Given that the computer system must develop tables and grafts from the input collected during your study, the test results will not be available until after you are released from the endoscopy unit. Your assessment results will be interpreted by your doctor at a later time. You should be contacted by your GI provider at our Indianapolis, IN office within a week with information about the esophageal motility exam results.
What are the risks of an esophageal motility study?
Esophageal motility assessments are generally very safe processes. Treatment complications impact fewer than 1% of individuals. In most instances, these complications are not fatal, but if a complication occurs, it could require a hospital stay and surgery. Before we administer the process, a consent form will be explained to the patient by the healthcare team at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Piercing or puncturing of the esophagus is a very unlikely event but can arise. This could be identified during the exam, or it might not be obvious until later in the day. In most cases, a perforation will result in hospitalization and surgery for repair.
It is very imperative that the individual contact the doctor’s office right away in the event issues or symptoms occur in the wake of the procedure, such as fever, increasing abdominal pain, or bleeding.
Similar to other procedures, an esophageal motility procedure is not perfect. There exists a slight, accepted risk that irregularities can be missed during the study. It is essential to periodically schedule appointments with your physicians as instructed and talk with them about any new or ongoing issues.
What are alternatives to an esophageal motility study?
To an extent, alternative testing options will be dependent upon the reason for needing to complete an esophageal motility study. For most patients, the esophageal manometry test is the best approach to measure the muscle abilities of the esophagus. Although, an x-ray is known as an esophagram, while on its own or as part of a barium swallow/upper GI procedure, can additionally assess the esophagus as well.
An esophageal motility study to evaluate problems
If you or a family member develops issues such as chest pain, regurgitation, or trouble swallowing, an esophageal manometry assessment could help your physician gain a better understanding of the issue and the best approach to identify and treat the issue. To find a doctor to perform this test, please contact Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology. As an experienced team of GI physicians, we proudly take a patient-focused approach that enables us to perform with the greatest clinical standards. For more information about esophageal manometry in Indianapolis, IN, please reach out to our team today.
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