DefinitionEsophageal manometry is a test to measure the pressure inside the lower part of the esophagus.Alternative NamesEsophageal motility studies; Esophageal function studiesHow the test is performedWhen you swallow, muscles in your esophagus contract to help push food toward your stomach. Valves, or sphincters, inside the esophagus open to let food and liquid through, and then close to prevent food, fluids, and gastric acid from moving backward. The sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.During esophageal manometry, a thin, pressure-sensitive tube is passed through your mouth or nose and into your stomach. Once in place, the tube is pulled slowly back into your esophagus.When the tube is in your esophagus, you will be asked to swallow.