Small Bowel Manometry
Gastrointestinal specialists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health offer advanced diagnostics to uncover issues with the small intestine.
Our gastroenterology team at the Underwood Center evaluates the function of your small intestine (or small bowel) with advanced diagnostics and decades of expertise.
The small bowel manometry test analyzes how well the muscles and nerves of the small intestine work in moving liquid or food through the gastrointestinal tract. If an area of your GI tract works improperly, this test can pinpoint where the problem is (muscles or nerves) and aid in determining the appropriate treatment.
The test lasts approximately six hours because contractions (movements) in the small intestine do not occur frequently. Measurements are taken over a long period to “catch” the contractions. The test takes place in two stages:
- Records for 3 hours in the fasting state (without food).
- Records for another 3 hours after a test meal, which consists of 2 cans of Ensure®.
Our gastroenterologists will discuss the results of the test and recommended next steps in a follow-up appointment.
Patient-Centered Care & Treatment
Specialists at the center offer personalized care and ongoing treatment plans for patients who need experienced small intestine care.
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.
Before, During & After the Small Bowel Manometry Test
Foregut Diseases Program
Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program
A program for diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with challenging causes that require customized treatments.
For patients suffering from IBD, we deliver therapies with a team approach to treatment and care.