The differences in the esophageal motility between liquid and solid bolus swallows: A multicenter high-resolution manometry study in Chinese asymptomatic volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The results of the esophageal body motility differences between liquid and solid swallows from high-resolution manometry (HRM) studies are not consistent. The information of the frequency of ineffective liquid and solid bolus swallows in healthy individuals during HRM procedure is limited. The normative values of the HRM parameters of both liquid and solid swallows for Chinese population are lacking.

METHODS: The esophageal HRM data of 101 healthy volunteers from multicenters in China were analyzed. The values of the HRM parameters were summarized and compared between liquid and solid swallows. The frequencies of ineffective liquid and solid swallows were summarized.

RESULTS: Esophagus contracted stronger and slower in solid bolus swallows than water swallows with HREM. Ineffective water swallow (DCI < 450 mm Hg.s.cm) and ineffective bread swallow (DCI < 800 mm Hg.s.cm) were frequently seen in asymptomatic individuals. The adding of bread swallows to the HREM procedure might cause diagnostic change in about 15.8% (16/101) of the asymptomatic individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: The vigor and velocity of the esophageal peristalsis between liquid and solid bolus swallows are different. Ineffective water and solid bolus swallows are not rare. Adding solid bolus swallows brings diagnostic change, and it may be needed routinely for the HRM procedure.