Esophageal Manometry (Motility Study) in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophageal motility study?
An esophageal motility study at Digestive Health Specialists is a test performed to evaluate the contractile abilities of the esophagus. To perform the process, a thin and pliable tube will be inserted into the esophagus through the nose. A motility test might be recommended to help diagnose the cause behind:
- Regurgitation
- Pain in the chest area
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Esophageal spasm
- Prior to esophageal surgery
- Swallowing difficulties
To locate a gastrointestinal (GI) provider who can perform an esophageal motility test or esophageal manometry in Kansas City, MO, reach out to our GI team.
What happens the day before an esophageal motility study?
You will get information and instructions from your Digestive Health Specialists provider outlining the preparatory steps to follow. Most patients will be permitted to eat normally the day before the evaluation. You will be asked not to eat any food or drink items after midnight aside from medications. It is very critical to comply with the instructions provided to you by your practitioner. Specific instructions pertaining to any medications you take will also be discussed. In the majority of cases, your medication regimen will not change. For some patients, however, especially in those who take anticoagulant medications, (for example Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in patients with diabetes, specific instructions will be given.
What happens on the day of the esophageal motility study?
On the day of your esophageal motility study, you will be instructed to enter the endoscopy center 30 minutes before the test. This is to allow time to complete forms and get ready for the esophageal motility exam.
Upon entering the procedure area, you will lie on an exam table. One of your nostrils will be anesthetized with a numbing gel. A member of our medical team will then place a slender catheter into the nostril. As the tube is placed into the esophagus, you will be prompted to swallow to enlarge the opening to the esophagus. The nurse will initially adjust the device to assess the contractile ability of the lower esophageal sphincter. We will then evaluate the squeeze of the remaining esophageal muscles. During this portion of the test, you will be required to swallow 10 – 20 sips of water. Once this is completed, the process will be finished and the catheter will be withdrawn. Typically, the exam will last around 30-60 minutes.
Since no sedation is administered for the evaluation, you will be free to exit the endoscopy center as soon as the process is finished. The majority of patients are able to resume their normal eating habits after being discharged from the endoscopy center; however, specific instructions surrounding medications, physical activity, and eating will be explained to the patient ahead of discharge.
When will I learn the results of my esophageal motility study?
Given that the computer system must develop tables and grafts from the information acquired during your assessment, the outcomes of the test will not be processed until after you leave the endoscopy center. Your evaluation results will be interpreted by your physician at a later time. You are likely to hear from your provider at our Kansas City, MO practice within a week to discuss the esophageal manometry exam findings.
What are the risks with an esophageal manometry study?
Esophageal motility studies are considered to be a safe procedure. Treatment complications happen in less than 1% of patients. In most cases, these complications do not tend to be fatal, but should a complication develop, it could lead to hospitalization and surgery. Before the assessment, a consent form will be discussed with the individual by the healthcare staff at Digestive Health Specialists.
Perforation or puncture of the esophageal structure is a significantly unlikely complication but can happen. This could be detected during the study, or it might not be evident until later in the day. In most instances, a perforation will require surgery and hospitalization for repair.
It is highly critical that the individual call the physician's office right away should any issues or symptoms arise following the test, including worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
Much like with any other evaluation, an esophageal motility test is not flawless. There exists a minor, acknowledged risk that health concerns might not be noticed at the time of the procedure. It is vital to continue to visit your physicians as instructed and let them know about any new or chronic issues.
What are alternatives to an esophageal motility test?
To a certain extent, alternative testing options will depend on why a esophageal manometry procedure is being performed to begin with. For the majority of patients, the esophageal manometry study is the preferred option to observe the contractile function of the esophagus. Although, a radiograph known as an esophagram, while on its own or with a barium swallow/upper GI, can also can enable doctors to assess the esophagus.
An esophageal motility study to evaluate conditions
Should you or a member of your family develop issues such as regurgitation, chest pain, or trouble swallowing, then an esophageal motility procedure can help your doctor gain a deeper understanding of the issue and how to treat it. In order to connect with a physician to learn more about this test, please reach out to Digestive Health Specialists. As an experienced team of digestive health specialists, we work with a patient-centric mentality that enables us to deliver the utmost standard of care. For further details about esophageal manometry in Kansas City, MO, please reach out to our practice today.
Reviews
Nice people, knowledgeable, Took time to explain why doing test. It was explained what would be the next step and what would be coming after, if all went well.
Always a good experience with Dr McCormick
Dr. Schnell is always professional and caring.
Very caring staff! Made you feel very comfortable
Dr Able and staff were very kind and explained everything very well! It was a positive experience!
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