Correlation of High Resolution Manometry and Upper Gastrointestinal Marshmallow Study in Preoperative Esophageal Motility Assessment

Identifying esophageal motility disorders prior to surgical intervention is imperative when determining the procedural route that will produce the greatest positive patient outcome and reduce postoperative sequelae related to preoperative conditions. Possible disparities have been identified between HRM and UGI MM assessment results. Identifying testing variables and standards that could impact the obtained results will allow providers the ability to create a more customized plan of care and increase outcome predictability. Therefore, examining HRM and UGI MM level of agreement is essential to providing the best evidence-based practice care and meeting the unique needs of individual patients.

Currently, HRM results are noted as the standard benchmark for adequate assessment of esophageal motility function and disorders. Esophageal manometry testing provides a means to determine if the esophagus is functioning properly through a series of wet swallows. As a patient swallows, the esophagus contracts in a orderly sequence to push the swallowed contents to the stomach. Once the contents enter the stomach, the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, LES closes to prevent backflow or reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus. Assessment of motility and sphincter function is vital prior to any surgical intervention that involves manipulation of the gastroesophageal junction,GEJ or surrounding structures. Inaccurate surgical manipulation can cause undesired pressure changes and alterations in normal peristalsis within the esophageal body. Any impairment to esophageal motility can compromise clearance and sphincter function, leading to adverse outcomes such as the development of intestinal metaplasia due to prolonged exposure of the mucosa to gastric acid

1.Patient Identification

1. Patients undergoing esophageal motility evaluation prior to surgical intervention. Surgical interventions involve manipulation of the upper gastrointestinal tract and immediate surrounding structures.
2. Patients undergoing procedures where the standard of care routinely includes preoperative motility assessment. These procedures include fundoplication procedures, open, laparoscopic and endoscopic and gastric sleeve or bypass candidates.