Modern solid state computerized manometry of the pharyngoesophageal segment

Abstract

There has been renewed interest in the use of manometry of the pharyngoesophageal segment in the investigation of pharyngeal dysphagia. Advances in technology have alleviated previous difficulties presented by factors such as the rapid response rate of the striated muscle and asymmetry of the upper esophageal sphincter. Close attention to technique can overcome difficulties with movement artifacts encountered during deglutition. Manometry is being used to study normal swallow function and the effects of physiologic changes. There are also increasing numbers of reports in the literature of manometric studies in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. This technique provides information on pressure changes and augments that information obtained from a barium swallow.