Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Why do I need the test?
The test measures the pressure and co-ordination of muscular activity withing your oesophagus when you swallow. From this we can assess how it is functioning and determine if your symptoms are due to certain disorders of the oesophagus (gullet).
The test is also required before anti-reflux surgery to make sure the oesophagus is working well enough for you to have the operation.
What to expect before the test
You should not eat or drink anything in the four hours before the test, apart from sips of water.
You are advised to wear loose-fitting comfortable clothes as you will be sitting up on a couch for 20-30 minutes during the test period, and tight-fitting clothes can interfere with the test.
What to expect on arrival
The practitioner will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. This is to ensure that you understand the test and its implications.
The practitioner will also ask you a series of questions about your symptoms and the medications you have taken. This will help with the interpretation of the results. Please bring a list of your medications with you.
What to expect during the test:
You will be made comfortable on the couch, sitting upright. The practitioner will then pass a catheter (tube) with pressure sensors along its length, through your nose and into your oesophagus. You will not be asleep or sedated in any way, as you should only feel a slight discomfort from the procedure.
The catheter is connected to a computer which displays and records the pressures in each sensor.
During the test period, we ask you to sit as quietly and to talk as little as possible. This is because talking can interfere with the measurements.
We will give you small amounts of water (5ml) to swallow so that we can observe the muscle contractions in the oesophagus. We need at least 10 swallows so that we can obtain an accurate assessment of this activity. Please swallow normally and try not to swallow between sips of water. We will also ask you to swallow five small pieces of bread, followed by 200mls of water. If you are on a gluten-free diet, please bring a slice of gluten-free bread with you.
You should expect to be in the unit for approximately one hour, after which you will be able to return to work or go home.
Will I be able to feel the catheter?
You will be aware of the catheter in the back of your throat throughout the test. Although you may find it uncomfortable, it should not cause you any pain.
When will I know the result?
You will be told if any information is immediately apparent, but the recording needs to be carefully analysed before a diagnosis can be made. The results are sent back to the doctor or consultant who referred you for the tests. You should allow two weeks for the results to reach them.
Glossary of terms:
Oesophagus: The oesophagus or gullet is a muscular tube, about 24cm long, which extends from the throat to the stomach.
Oesophageal Manometry Test: This is the test that measures pressure activity within the oesophagus. An assessment can then be made of how well the oesophagus is working.
Catheter: Flexible plastic tube.
Pressure sensors: Very small detectors that measure pressure.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/076
Approval date:
17 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.