New technologies to evaluate esophageal function

This review provides an overview of the recent advances made in diagnostic technologies of esophageal functional disorders. There is discussion of technologies that evaluate esophageal motor function with special attention to high-resolution manometry and esophageal manometry combined with intraluminal impedance testing. Technologies to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux disease are presented with focus on 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring with intraluminal impedance testing and 48-h ambulatory catheter-free pH monitoring. These new technologies have advanced the study and treatment of esophageal disorders in that they allow for more accurate diagnosis of known esophageal disorders and have introduced previously unexplored disorders, such as achalasia with shortening of the esophagus and nonacid reflux.