Manometry Health Dictionary

a disorder of the oesophagus (gullet) characterized by uncoordinated or absent contraction of oesophageal smooth muscle and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS), leading to disturbances of swallowing (see dysphagia). It may occur at any age and affects both sexes equally: symptoms include progressive difficulty in swallowing liquids and solids, food regurgitation, and chest pain precipitated by oesophageal spasm. Diagnosis is by *barium swallow X-ray examination, endoscopy, and oesophageal *manometry. Treatment is by endoscopic balloon dilatation of the LOS, surgical division of the muscle fibres of the LOS (Heller’s cardiomyotomy), or by injection of *botulinum toxin into the LOS.... achalasia

a combined X-ray and manometry examination of the bladder to look for abnormal function. The bladder is filled slowly with contrast medium using a small urinary catheter and the pressure is monitored during filling and voiding (micturition). X-ray images of the bladder and urethra (see urethrography) are taken. The test is used to differentiate between obstruction to bladder outflow and abnormal involuntary contractions of the muscle in the bladder wall.... bladder pressure study

n. X-ray examination of the urinary bladder after filling it with a contrast medium. The X-ray images thus obtained are known as cystograms. Cystography is most commonly performed to detect reflux of urine from the bladder to the ureters, usually in children (see vesicoureteric reflux). In adults it is often performed to detect bladder injury or perforation. If films are taken during voiding (micturating cystourethrogram) then the urethra can also be observed (see urethrography). The examination can also be performed in conjunction with manometry (see bladder pressure study).... cystography

a disorder affecting the gullet (oesophagus) in which uncoordinated, sometimes simultaneous, oesophageal contractions precipitate difficulty in swallowing (*dysphagia), regurgitation of food, and chest pain. The cause is unclear. Diagnosis is suggested by characteristic appearances during a *barium swallow (corkscrew oesophagus) and confirmed by oesophageal manometry. Medical treatment comprises the use of calcium-channel blockers, nitrates, and sildenafil; endoscopic treatment may include infiltration of *botulinum toxin in specific oesophageal segments and, infrequently, endoscopic dilatation. Surgical myotomy is reserved for extreme cases.... diffuse oesophageal spasm

a congenital condition in which the rectum and sometimes part of the lower colon have failed to develop a normal nerve network. The affected portion does not expand or conduct the contents of the bowel, which accumulate in and distend the colon. Symptoms, which are usually apparent in the first weeks of life, are vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, and intestinal obstruction. Diagnosis is by rectal biopsy (to confirm the absence of nerve cells), anorectal *manometry, and imaging. Treatment involves surgical removal of the affected segment and anastomosis of the remaining healthy bowel to the anus. See also megacolon. [H. Hirschsprung (1830–1916), Danish physician]... hirschsprung’s disease