Esophageal manometry was performed in 45 cirrhotics with varices, in 15 cirrhotics without varices, and in 20 normal subjects, to define the effect of varices on esophageal motility. Cirrhotics with varices showed a decreased amplitude of motor waves in the lower half of the esophagus (p less than 0.01), an increased duration of primary peristaltic waves along the entire length of the esophagus (upper esophagus, p less than 0.05; lower esophagus, p less than 0.01), and an increased peak-to-peak speed of primary peristaltic waves (p less than 0.01). Resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure and duration of sphincter relaxation were similar in patients and controls. The above-mentioned abnormalities might be due to the mechanical effect of the presence of varices.