Manometry and 24 hour pH study

Manometry is the study where a pressure sensing thin probe is passed from the nose or anus to study the pressure of esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter, rectum and anal canal.

Esophageal manometry

Esophgeal manometry is performed by nasal route, to study the pressure in the esophagus and lower oesophagal sphincter

Indication of esophageal manometry are 

      1.    Dysphagia - in patients with normal UGI endoscopy, motor disorders are common cause in this setting, which can be                      diagnosed by manometry

2.    Gastroesophageal reflux- Low esophgaeal sphincter pressure predisposes to acid reflux symptoms

Anorectal manometry

Anorectal manometry is done by the anal route. 
Indications of anorectal manometry are

1.    Anal incontinence

2.    Chronic constipation because of neuronal diseases

24 hour pH study

24 hour pH study is indicated in patients with suspected gatroesophageal reflux disease. 24 hour pH study is an ambulatory study, where pH probe is passes through the nose to lower esophagus, probe has to be kept in situ for 24 hours. All the reflux episodes from stomach to esophagus leads to change in esophageal pH, which are sensed by pH probe, and are recorded in data recorder, which is later studied.