Esophagus lower sphincter pressure

The lower esophageal sphincter is a manometrically-defined zone of the distal esophagus with an elevated basal resting pressure. The sphincter is normally in a tonic, contracted state, preventing the reflux of gastric material from the stomach. It relaxes on swallowing to permit the free passage of food into the stomach. 

Esophageal manometry to evaluate motility should be performed in any patient who is a candidate for antireflux smgery. Esophageal manometry is useful in determining which surgical procedure is best for the patient. To perform manometry, a multilumen tube is passed into the stomach and the pressures are measured as the tube is pulled back across the lower esophageal sphincter, esophagus, and pharynx. 

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