The Evaluation of Esophageal Motility Using Infusion Manometry with a Trans-nasal Endoscope: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE: The Chicago classification using high-resolution manometry (HRM) has been proposed for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. However, HRM is expensive, and few patients are likely to benefit from this method. We established a method using a raised infusion catheter called “esophageal manometry using a trans-nasal endoscope”. In this study, we examined the clinical utility of this new method for the assessment of patients with dysphagia. METHODS: We enrolled 124 consecutive patients who complained of dysphagia and were suspected of having esophageal motility disorders. Patients underwent manometry using a trans-nasal endoscope at Hiroshima University Hospital from September 2008 to December 2018. An esophageal biopsy was performed during the procedure from the thoracic esophagus to detect eosinophilic esophagitis. In addition, we examined the clinical courses of patients diagnosed with achalasia. RESULTS: The diagnostic ability of manometry using a trans-nasal endoscope was 98%, and no major complications associated with the procedure were recorded. About 30% of patients were diagnosed with achalasia, and most (77%) were well controlled by medications or balloon dilation. One patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Manometry using a trans-nasal endoscope is beneficial and can be used for the clinical management of patients with dysphagia.