Abdomen and Digestive Tests / Procedures

Antro-Duodenal Manometry

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What is antro-duodenal manometry?

The term antro-duodenal comes from the two words "antrum" and "duodenum." The antrum is the area at the bottom of the stomach, which prepares food to go into the small intestine. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, which receives the food. (Figure 1)

Manometry is the measurement of pressure or contractions in the small intestine. The purpose of antro-duodenal manometry is to determine how well the antrum and the duodenum work together.

Before the test

If your child is old enough, explain to your child how the test is done at a time that you feel is best. The nurse will help you with this.
It may be helpful to bring a favorite toy, tape, video or game to make your child more comfortable during the test.
Some medications may interfere with this test. You may be asked to stop certain medications up to 72 hours before the test.
Feeding instructions: Your child should have no solid foods for 8 hours before the test. Your child may have clear liquids up until 4 hours before the test, and then nothing by mouth for the 4 hours before the test. Clear liquids include sugar water, Kool-Aid", Jell-O", popsicles, apple juice, ginger ale and water.
Reassure your child that you will be with him/her during the entire test.

During the test

When a child has antro-duodenal manometry done at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, it will start in the Radiology Department where your child will lie on a table in an X-ray room.
A pediatric anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia, a gas that helps your child sleep during the test.
Once your child is asleep, an intravenous (IV) line will be started to keep him/her hydrated.
The doctor and nurse will wear gowns, gloves and plastic glasses.

Manometry is the measurement of pressure or contractions in the small intestine.

A small tube with several holes in it will be passed through your child's nose and down through the stomach and into the small intestine. (Figure 2) Time will be allowed for your child to adjust to this tube.
Your child will go to the Recovery Room or the wake-up room to wake up.
Your child will then be taken to the Clinical Research Center (CRC) unit for testing.
The tube will be connected to a small pump, which pushes water slowly through the tube and into your child's small intestine. This in turn is connected to a computer. (Figure 3) As the small intestine contracts and tightens around the tube, it stops water flow. This contraction is recorded on the computer monitor and gives the doctor a pattern of activity.
During the test your child will have to remain in bed.
Your child may sit up or lie down and may read, or watch TV or videos during the test.
As part of the test, your child may be given a meal and/or medication through his/her IV (intravenous) line.
The test will run early the next morning and finish around noon the next day.

The purpose of antro-duodenal manometry is to determine how well the antrum and the duodenum work together.

What will my child feel during the test?

Your child may gag when the tube is first passed through the nose. A nurse will be there to comfort your child.
Because the test involves putting water into the small intestine, your child may need to go to the bathroom more often than usual. Your child will have to use a bedpan or urinal.
This test does not cause pain.
When the tube is taken out, your child may feel like sneezing or complain of a slight sore throat. These symptoms should go away within a few hours.

After the test

Your child may return to a normal diet, play and usual activities unless he/she has other tests scheduled.
Your child's doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.