Technical success in performing esophageal high-resolution manometry: a review of competency recommendations, predictors of failure, and alternative techniques

Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders. As this is performed without sedation, it may be poorly tolerated by patients. Additionally, advancing the catheter tip until the stomach may also be difficult, especially if there is a disease affecting the esophagus or esophagogastric junction which may lead to coiling of the catheter. Currently, there are no guidelines as to who can perform HRM. An expert opinion has recommended minimum numbers of cases for the operator to perform in order to obtain and maintain competency. Several studies have reported on the rates of flawed HRM studies with approximately 20% being imperfect, including about 3% with critical flaws. The presence of a large hiatal hernia and achalasia have been identified as predictors of technical failure. Studies with minor flaws are usually still interpretable and clinically useful. Reports have also described several techniques for sedation-assisted placement of the HRM catheter, and this appears to be a promising alternative in cases of failed HRM, especially as sedation does not appear to significantly affect HRM measurements. An algorithm on how to proceed after a technically imperfect HRM study is proposed. Further research in this field is warranted including confirmation of the recommended competency numbers, assessing for quality measures in performing HRM such as technical success rate, identifying additional predictors of technical failure, standardization of the terminology, and qualifying the benefit of sedation-assisted HRM.