High-Resolution Oesophageal Manometry and Reflux Monitoring

Oesophageal manometry and reflux monitoring (pH-impedance monitoring) are 2 separate tests. Your doctor will inform you if you need one or both of them. You might have manometry without the pH study, but manometry is always done before the pH-impedance study, even if you have no swallowing problems, as it helps the consultant work out the best position to place the pH sensor. Our team will explain each process fully to you before you have either test. 

During oesophageal manometry: 

• a local anaesthetic spray or gel may be used to numb the nose

• a thin tube with pressure sensors will be passed gently from the nose to the stomach as you sip some water 

• measurements of your muscle activity will be recorded for around 15 minutes 

• the tube will be gently removed

During reflux monitoring: 

• a much finer tube is gently passed from your nose and into the stomach

• the tube is secured to the side of your face and neck with tape

• the tube is attached to a small recorder, which you wear over your shoulder, or on a belt

• you’ll be asked to press buttons on this to record information such as eating, sleeping and symptoms when they occur

• you’ll also be asked to fill in a diary

• the tube will stay in place for 24 hours

• you can then easily remove the tube yourself the next day (we will explain how), or you can come back to the clinic for it to be removed

Once the 24 hours are over, you’ll need to return to the clinic to bring back your recorder and diary. Your team will explain the results and any recommended next steps in a follow-up appointment.

Oesophageal manometry and reflux monitoring are very safe procedures. Patients can sometimes experience a brief period of retching when the tube is inserted down the throat, and there may sometimes be some discomfort in the nose and throat, but usually this is well tolerated and lasts for a very short time. If at any point you’re not comfortable or wish for the study to stop, the tube can be removed. 

Less common side effects of this procedure include:

• a small amount of bleeding from the nose (which should stop quickly)

• sore throat (up to 24 hours)

• slight discomfort on swallowing (which will stop once the test is over)

There’s a very small risk of this procedure causing other complications, such as bleeding from damage or perforation to the nose, throat, oesophagus, or stomach

Before your test, you’ll have a consultation with a gastroenterologist who’ll explain fully how to prepare for the tests. 

This may include: 

• not eating for 4 hours before the tests

• not drinking for 2 hours before the test 

• stopping certain medications

Following oesophageal manometry and reflux monitoring, you can return to your regular activities and take any medications as normal. You may have some discomfort in your nose or throat, but these should go away quickly.

Please contact our Digestive Health centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an oesophageal manometry or reflux monitoring, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.