What Is Prague Maneuver?

By Alice Nichols

The Prague Maneuver is a diagnostic test used in the field of gastroenterology to evaluate the function of the esophagus and diagnose disorders such as achalasia, a condition characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax during swallowing. This maneuver is named after its development at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Prague, Czech Republic.

What is Achalasia?

Achalasia is a rare disorder affecting the esophagus, which is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. In individuals with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly during swallowing, resulting in difficulty with food and liquid passage into the stomach. Symptoms of achalasia include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss.

The Prague Classification

The Prague Classification system was developed to standardize reporting and recording findings during an endoscopic examination of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or Barrett’s esophagus. It involves visual assessment of various parameters using high-resolution endoscopy.

Parameters included in The Prague Classification:

  • Circumferential location
  • Maximum extent (C0-4)
  • Length (M)
  • Number (N)
  • Invasion depth (P)
  • Invasion level (L)
  • Invasion morphology (V)
  • Differentiation grade (G)
  • The Prague Maneuver

    The Prague Maneuver is a diagnostic test used to assess the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and to measure the pressure within the esophagus during swallowing. It involves inserting a catheter through the nose or mouth into the esophagus, which is connected to a pressure monitoring system.

    During the Prague Maneuver, patients are asked to swallow small amounts of water while their esophageal pressures are recorded. The pressure readings help determine if there is any abnormality in the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can aid in diagnosing conditions like achalasia.

    Interpreting Prague Maneuver Results

    Normal results of the Prague Maneuver show a significant decrease in pressure at the lower esophageal sphincter during swallowing, allowing for smooth passage of food into the stomach. In contrast, individuals with achalasia exhibit minimal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and elevated pressures within the esophagus during swallowing.

    The Prague Maneuver helps clinicians diagnose achalasia and determine its severity by assessing factors such as duration and amplitude of contractions, complete absence of relaxation or incomplete relaxation, and presence or absence of peristalsis.

    In Conclusion

    The Prague Maneuver is an essential diagnostic tool used to evaluate and diagnose disorders affecting the esophagus, such as achalasia. By measuring pressures within the esophagus during swallowing, this test provides valuable information that aids in determining appropriate treatment options for patients. Understanding this maneuver can help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage various esophageal disorders.