Esophageal Manometry Test in Montreal

The esophagus is a long muscular tube which connects your mouth to your stomach. When you swallow, the esophagus produces waves of contraction which squeeze food down into the stomach to be digested. When the esophagus does not contract properly, patients may experience difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation of food, or unexplained discomfort. An esophageal manometry test measures the pressure in the esophagus produced by muscle activity and function to identify any defects in esophageal function. Indeed, esophageal manometry provides precise information that guides treatment at our gastro clinic in Montreal.

What to Expect

Preparation

Since your stomach needs to be empty at the time of the test, your healthcare professional will advise when you should start fasting. You may also need to stop certain medications temporarily before taking the test.

During the Test

The procedure takes about 30-60 minutes. A thin tube is passed through your nose, down your esophagus, and into your stomach, after your nose and throat are treated with numbing medicine. You’ll be asked to swallow small sips of water several times while the tube measures muscle contractions. Each swallow helps the sensors along the catheter record pressure changes and contraction strength to evaluate esophageal muscle activity, as well as the function of the esophageal body.

After the Test

You can resume normal activities immediately.

Advantages and Limitations

Esophageal manometry measures how the upper esophageal sphincter, lower esophageal sphincter, and the esophageal body coordinate to move food into the stomach. This makes it valuable for diagnosing motility disorders, such as achalasia or esophageal spasms, evaluating lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and detecting upper esophageal sphincter issues that contribute to throat-related symptoms.

The test also supports surgical planning, often complementing upper endoscopy before anti-reflux procedures. However, its scope is limited: manometry does not directly diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nor does it evaluate structural abnormalities of the esophagus.

Book Your Esophageal Manometry Test in Montreal

If you are struggling with swallowing difficulties or symptoms related to esophageal motility disorders or acid reflux, an esophageal manometry test in Montreal is a practical way to get the answers you need.

You can explore our detailed service fee guide to understand the costs associated with your procedure, or connect directly with our team to discuss your individual situation.

Request an appointment today, and our staff will guide you through what to expect and help you move forward with confidence in your care.

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