The value of conventional manometry in the identification of normal esophageal manometry

In the last decade, high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the main device for the management of dysphagia replacing conventional manometry (CM). Conventional manometry still seems to have some space to diagnose major motility disorders and differentiate normal from abnormal esophageal motility. The long term outcomes of patients with normal CM were analyzed in our study. Participants (patients with dysphagia and normal CM) took a questionnaire via a phone call in February 2021. Impact Dysphagia Questionnaire (IDQ) was used as an assessment tool. Only 55% (83/151) the individuals with previous normal manometric findings were reached via telephone. The group who have completed the survey was representative of the cohort. 66.2% of the participants were female (P = .40). The mean age was 57.21, mean weight was 70.69 kg, mean height was 163.74 cm and mean body mass index was 26.41. More than 40% of patients were completely asymptomatic at follow up, reflected by an IDQ score of 0. Only 28 out of 83 (33.7%) patients reported significant symptoms as reflected by an IDQ score greater than or equal to 7. The rest of responders admitted as having moderate to mild symptoms. HREM is a valid technique with comparable precision to CM. HREM measurements differ considerably to CM. The identification of normal motor function in CM is not likely a positive prognostic indicator and must be interpreted precautiously.