Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Manometry Testing
Esophageal manometry measures the pressure of muscle contractions in the esophagus and helps determine how well food moves through the esophagus to the stomach. The test may be ordered to investigate chronic acid reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing or regurgitation.
At Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, specially trained nurses perform this outpatient test, guiding a small tube with sensors into the esophagus. The sensors record data and results are transmitted to a computer for interpretation by a gastroenterologist.
Manometry testing is used to diagnose a number of conditions and can also help determine if anti-reflux surgery will be effective in treating moderate to severe GERD.
pH Monitoring
Esophageal pH testing measures how often stomach contents move back or reflux into the lower esophagus and how much acid the reflux contains. Testing helps determine if a patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is often required to determine if surgery is an option. It can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of medication or surgical treatment.
After a patient receives local anesthesia, a small capsule (the size of a gel cap) is temporarily placed on the wall of the esophagus to measure pH levels. Details are transmitted to a small recorder worn on the belt or waistband.
Patients can resume normal activities right away. Once the test has been completed, the recorder will be returned to the physician and the results will be analyzed to aid in a diagnosis. The disposable capsule will dislodge from the esophagus and pass naturally through the digestive tract.