Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry testing

Abstract

Oesophageal manometry has been considered the "gold standard" test for the evaluation of oesophageal motility. Oesophageal manometry allows physicians to assess peristalsis by using informations about the shape, amplitude and duration of the oesophageal contraction, but it does not offer direct information about bolus transit through the oesophagus. Recent studies demonstrate that combined impedance-manometry provides important additional information about oesophageal motility as compared to conventional manometry such as: (1) monitoring of bolus transport patterns without the use of radiation, (2) calculation of bolus transit parameters, (3) evaluation of bolus clearance and (4) investigation of the relationships between bolus transit and LES relaxation. These changes could potentially improve diagnostic accuracy of oesophageal motility testing, advancing both clinical and basic research. This review focuses on current aspects of the novel technology of combined impedance-manometry for oesophageal motility testing.