[Normal values for 24-hour manometry of the esophagus]

To obtain normal values of 24-hour manometry of the oesophagus.

Oesophageal pressures were measured in 41 healthy volunteers who had given informed consent. Recordings were made for 24 hours via a two-channel catheter in 27 and via a 4-channel one in 14 subjects. The catheter orifices were 5 and 15 cm respectively 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Median of contractions was 1523 at 5 cm and 1500 at 15 cm (1635 at 10 cm and 2135 at 20 cm) contraction amplitudes were 31 mm Hg at 5 cm, 26 mm Hg at 15 cm; 26 mm Hg at 10 cm and 37 mm Hg at 20 cm. On average 44% of the contractions were propulsive, 17% simultaneous and 30% nonpropulsive, the remainder not clearly defined. Neither age nor sex had a significant influence on the results. Motor activity was reduced during sleep. During eating the number of contractions, their amplitude and propulsive force increased.

The listed measurements, by defining normal values, make it possible to diagnose hypo- and hypermotility of the oesophagus during long-time manometry. Two-point measurement is sufficient for assessing the smooth-muscle component.