
Uses
An Esophageal Motility Study is a procedure to assess the motor or muscle function of the esophagus.
The muscles in the wall of the esophagus contract and relax in an organized fashion to propel food from the mouth into the stomach. Abnormal muscle function can cause difficulty swallowing and sometimes even chest pain.
Procedure
During the procedure, a very thin, flexible tube is passed through the nose into the esophagus. The motor function of the esophagus can then be investigated as the patient swallows.