The esophagus is a muscular tube through which food passes from your mouth to your stomach.  Its purpose is to propel food and liquids into the stomach, as well as to prevent their backflow into the esophagus.  An Esophageal Motility Examnation helpts to diagnose abnormalities in the function of the esophageal muscle.  This procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and involves passing a small tube gently through your nose or mouth into your stomach.  During the exam, the tube will be slowly withdrawn, pausing at various points in the esophagus.  You may be directed to swall small amounts of water after each pause.  A graph will be recorded of your swallowing and your esophageal contraction waves.

• After your appointment has been scheduled, please call the Appointment Center at (248) 577-9700 to pre-register.  If possible, this should be done about one week prior to your exam. 
• If it is necessary to cancel this test, please call our office at (248) 273-9930, ext. 3034 or ext. 3036. 
• Report to Main Registration, William Beaumont Hospital  before your procedure is scheduled.

Preparation:

• Nothing by mouth and no smoking for 4 hours prior to the procedure.
• No spicy or greasy foods, chocolate, alcohol, coffee (including decaffeinated), sweets, fruit or vegetable juices 12 hours prior to the procedure.
• No Reglan (metoclopramide) or domperidone 24 hours prior to the procedure.
• Procardia, Cardizem and Nitroglycerine medications should be stopped 24 hours prior to the procedure only if they have been prescribed solely for the esophagus.  Continue to take them as prescribed if they were prescribed for blood pressure or a heart condition.
• If necessary, you may bring your medication to take immediately following the examination. 
• Following the completion of this test, you may return immediately to the diet you were on prior to the procedure.
• You may drive yourself home after the test is completed.