Manometry Testing
Understanding How Your Digestive System Works
Manometry is a specialized test that measures how well the muscles and nerves in your digestive system are working.
The test measures pressure and muscle movement in different parts of the digestive tract. It can help your doctor understand why you may be having problems with swallowing, bowel movements, or other digestive symptoms.
Our team provides specialized manometry testing for children and adults.
What Is Manometry?
Manometry uses a small, flexible tube with special sensors to measure muscle pressure and movement.
Depending on the type of manometry being performed, the tube may be placed through the nose or through the rectum. The sensors measure how the muscles contract and relax while you swallow, squeeze, or have a bowel movement.
The information from the test helps your doctor see how well the digestive muscles are working.
Types of Manometry
- Esophageal Manometry
- Esophageal manometry looks at how the muscles of the esophagus work when you swallow.
- The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach.
- Your doctor may recommend esophageal manometry if you have:
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain when swallowing
- Food that feels stuck
- Chest pain that may be related to the esophagus
- Food or liquid coming back up
- Symptoms that may be caused by an esophageal muscle disorder
- The test can help identify conditions such as achalasia and other disorders that affect how the esophagus moves food.
- Anorectal Manometry
- Anorectal manometry measures how the muscles and nerves of the rectum and anus work.
- These muscles help control bowel movements.
- Your doctor may recommend anorectal manometry if you have:
- Long-term constipation
- Difficulty passing stool
- Accidental bowel movements or stool leakage
- A feeling that you cannot completely empty your bowels
- Problems with bowel control
- Symptoms that have not improved with other treatments
- The test can help your doctor understand whether the muscles and nerves involved in bowel movements are working properly.
Manometry for Children
Digestive problems can affect children of all ages. When symptoms continue or do not improve with treatment, specialized testing may help find the cause.
Manometry can provide important information about how a child’s digestive muscles and nerves are working.
Our team understands that children may feel nervous about testing. We take time to explain each step in a way that is easy for children and families to understand.
Is Manometry Safe?
Manometry is generally a safe test. You may have some temporary discomfort, pressure, or an unusual sensation during the procedure.
Your care team will explain the test before it begins and answer any questions you may have.
Why Is Manometry Helpful?
Manometry gives your doctor information that may not be available from an X-ray, ultrasound, or standard endoscopy.
It can help your doctor:
- Understand how digestive muscles are working
- Find the cause of certain digestive symptoms
- Identify problems with swallowing or bowel movements
- Guide treatment decisions
- Determine whether additional testing is needed
Specialized Testing for Children and Adults
At GI For Kids, we provide specialized gastrointestinal testing for pediatric and adult patients.
Our goal is to make testing as comfortable and easy to understand as possible while providing your physician with the information needed to create the right treatment plan.
Have Questions About Manometry?
If you or your child has been referred for manometry testing, our team is here to help.
Contact GI For Kids to learn more about manometry or to schedule your testing.
