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Esophageal manometry

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Abstract

Esophageal manometry offers estimations of actual pressure values of the esophagus and its sphincters provided that optimal equipment such as a low compliance pump is used. By means of these techniques, it has been shown that normal pressure values exist in the lower esophageal sphincter of newborns and infants. Peristalsis during deglutition in infants exhibits normal propulsive waves. A delay in peristaltic maturation may be observed in some newborns and infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The upper esophageal sphincter has a slightly lower pressure in infants than in adults. A rarely reported but important manometric finding is the common cavity phenomenon (CCP): it is induced by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Patients with pathological reflux exhibit the CCP more frequently and for longer periods of time than normal controls. Thus, this phenomenon offers an additional parameter in patients with GER. Together with simultaneous pH monitoring, esophageal manometry offers a comprehensive view of esophageal function under normal and disturbed conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Univ. Klinik für Kinderchirurgie Graz, Heinrichstrasse 31, A-8010, Graz, Austria

    M. E. Höllwarth, Elisabeth Uray & Patrizia Pesendorfer

  2. Frühgeborenenstation der geburtshilflich-Gynäkologischen Universitätsklinik, A-8010, Graz, Austria

    K. Rosanelli & H. Rosegger

Authors
  1. M. E. Höllwarth
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  2. Elisabeth Uray
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  3. Patrizia Pesendorfer
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  4. K. Rosanelli
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  5. H. Rosegger
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Höllwarth, M.E., Uray, E., Pesendorfer, P. et al. Esophageal manometry. Pediatr Surg Int 1, 177–183 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00180920

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00180920

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