Intraluminal oesophageal manometry. Influence of pressure probe diameter

The influence of the pressure-probe diameter on the values of gastro-oesophageal sphincter pressure, pharyngo-oesophageal sphincter pressure, and peak peristaltic pressure in the oesophageal body was investigated in eight healthy subjects. A low-compliance perfused pressure-measuring unit was used for the recordings. Three different probes were made with external diameters of 1.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.5 mm. Sphincter pressures were measured in the resting state, and peristaltic pressures were measured during wet swallows. The pressure in the sphincter regions was found to depend on the diameter of the probe, whereas the peak peristaltic pressure amplitudes were independent of the probes used. The need for standardization of manometry equipment is emphasized.