Antroduodenal Manometry

At Boston Children’s GI Motility Center, we provide the most advanced, high-resolution manometry testing possible. This provides our doctors with detailed information about your child’s condition.

During an antroduodenal manometry, a doctor places a small and flexible tube through the nose or an existing g-tube into the stomach and small intestine. This measures how your child’s stomach and intestines move. We use the most advanced, high-resolution manometry testing possible to help find the cause of your child’s symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal distention, feeding difficulties, retching, gastroparesis, or other stomach and bowel problems.

• In most cases, your child will be admitted to the hospital one day before the antroduodenal manometry test.
• He or she will have an upper endoscopy to ready the body for the antroduodenal catheter the day before the antroduodenal manometry test.

• Your child will be brought to the Department of Radiology at Boston Children's early (usually around 6 a.m.) the day of the test to get an X-ray and check the placement of the catheter. Your child will be transferred to the specialized motility procedure area. A computer cart will be brought into your child’s room and set up on the side of your child’s bed.
• Your child will be asked to go to the bathroom before the catheter is connected to the computer. Once the catheter is connected, your child will be unable to get out of bed and will have to use a bedpan or urinal.
• A gastroenterology technologist or doctor will connect the tube to the computer cart. The ports of the catheter will be flushed with sterile water. Your child may feel a sensation in his or her abdomen, but this will not cause pain. This tube is then attached to a computer. The computer measures how well the stomach and intestines work during the test.
• Your child will be asked to eat a special meal during the test. The nurse or technologist will call the kitchen to have the meal delivered at the specified time. Your child will be asked to eat as much as possible over 30 minutes.
• If your child is unable to eat by mouth, a feeding tube will be used. If your child uses a certain formula please bring it with you.
• Your child may be given a medication to stimulate the stomach and intestines. Your child may experience cramping as this medication is given.
• The entire test will take approximately six to eight hours to complete.

A gastroenterology nurse practitioner or doctor at Boston Children's will create a follow-up plan for your child. The nurse will review the plan and all instructions with you before you leave.

When the tube is removed, a Boston Children's gastroenterology doctor will interpret the information recorded in the computer.

Call your child's gastroenterologist two weeks after the study for the results. The primary doctor will give follow-up care instructions to you.

If you have any questions about an upcoming test, procedure, or any other aspect of your child's treatment, please reach out to any member of your care team — he or she will be able to explain what to expect during your visit and share tips on how to make it as easy as possible.

For an appointment, more information, or to obtain a second opinion for your child, please contact the Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Center at 617-355-6055 or request an appointment online.