Perception of esophageal manometry

Esophageal manometry is an important investigation method but its direct impact on patients' well-being has not been studied. A structured questionnaire was given to all patients (n=92) after the manometry during one calendar year. The response rate was 91%. A total of seventy-one patients also reported their health status during the next 24 h. No serious side-effects were recorded. About half of the respondents regarded manometry as an easy or fairly easy investigation. The most common problems were irritation of nose and throat. In total, 48% of the respondents had mild to moderate late symptoms after manometry, usually soreness of the throat or nose lasting for some hours. The manometry was more troublesome to women than to men. It is concluded that esophageal manometry is generally a benign and fairly tolerated investigation, and the high level of anxiety that many patients show before the manometry is not well justified.