Pruebas funcionales digestivas y otras pruebas

What is manometry?

Manometry is a diagnostic procedure to assess oesophageal motility and the action of the sphincters at the beginning (upper oesophageal sphincter) and end of the oesophagus (lower oesophageal sphincter). It is also used to locate the lower oesophageal sphincter for pH monitoring.

What preparation is required?

• Fasting for 12 hours before the examination
• Please bring the results of any previous digestive tests (esophagogastroduodenoscopy transit, endoscopy)
• Discontinue all non-essential medication 48 hours prior to treatment
• Do not smoke for 12 hours prior to the procedure
• Discontinue treatment with proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) 15 days before the test. If symptoms are very bothersome, they can be replaced with ranitidine 150 mg every 12 hours, to be discontinued 48 hours before the test.

How is manometry performed?

The patient lies on a stretcher and a very thin tube is inserted through the nose and down into the stomach. This procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes, during which it records the movement of the entire oesophagus through small movements of the probe and having the patient swallow.

What is pH monitoring?

pH monitoring is a test that measures the amount of acid in the oesophagus over a 24-hour period and determines whether it is normal or excessive, i.e., excessive or pathological gastroesophageal reflux.

What preparation is required?

• Fasting for 12 hours before the examination
• Please bring the results of any previous digestive tests (esophagogastroduodenoscopy transit, endoscopy)
• Discontinue all non-essential medication 48 hours prior to treatment
• Do not smoke for 12 hours prior to the procedure
• Discontinue treatment with proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, etc.) 15 days before the test. If symptoms are very bothersome, they can be replaced with ranitidine 150 mg every 12 hours, to be discontinued 48 hours before the test.

How is pH monitoring performed?

A very thin probe is inserted through the nose, leaving it 5 cm from the lower oesophageal sphincter. This probe is connected to a pH recording device, which is hung around the waist and must be worn for 24 hours. During this period, the patient leaves the centre and carries out normal activities (eating, sleeping, working, etc.). The patient then records the exact times of meals, bedtimes, symptoms of heartburn, coughing, etc., on a sheet of paper. The probe will then be removed the following day (24 hours after it was placed) and the patient will submit the sheet with the additional information.

The doctor who conducted the pH monitoring will then study the information obtained and issue a report that the patient can collect within 48 hours of the test.

What is it?

The endoscopic capsule is an imaging diagnostic technique used to study the small intestine. It is primarily useful in the study of unexplained anaemia, bleeding of unknown origin, and for monitoring patients with inflammatory bowel disease. It is particularly small (26 x 11 mm), which makes it easy to swallow. The capsule records images that are stored in a Holter-type recorder, which are then analysed by the doctor.

Patient preparation before the procedure

Yes. Three days before the test, the patient should follow a low-residue diet and, 24 hours before, drink a laxative solution (such as Phospho-soda) to ensure that the bowel is completely empty.