Evaluation of esophageal motility during endoscopy with the functional luminal imaging probe

The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) provides a novel method to evaluate the esophageal response to distension. The comprehensive evaluation of esophageal function that includes esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility and distension-induced contractility, i.e. FLIP panometry, provides an appealing method to evaluate esophageal motility at the time of sedated endoscopy. Abnormal EGJ distensibility is a consistently observed finding among patients with achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction, while the normal contractile response to esophageal distension involves repetitive, antegrade contractions. Thus, the esophageal motility assessment with FLIP panometry was reported to effectively detect abnormal motility, including achalasia, and also may identify functional abnormalities that are not detected on manometry. Ultimately, FLIP panometry offers a well-tolerated method to potentially enhance the clinical evaluation of esophageal motility. This review aims to discuss the evaluation of esophageal motility at the time of endoscopy with FLIP panometry.