Esophageal function tests
Esophageal function tests (esophageal impedance manometry, impedance pH monitoring)
using diagnostic spaghetti thin catheters, is performed under local anaesthesia and is not painful.
Following local anaesthesia of mouth, nose and throat the spaghetti thin impedance manometry catheter is introduced into the esophagus via the nose. Manometry takes 20 min, thereafter the manometry catheter is removed and the impedance pH monitoring catheter is introduced via the nose into the stomach. The catheter is connected to the cell-phone type recorder, which you carry on a belt. The reflux monitoring lasts 24 hrs.
Esophageal function tests (esophageal impedance manometry, impedance pH monitoring) demonstrate:
residual function of the anti reflux mechanism (lower esophageal sphincter; LES)
clearance and bolus transport function of the esophagus
severity of acidic and non acidic reflux
correlation of reflux and symptoms (heartburn, wheezing, coughing etc.)