Oesophageal pH and Manometry
Preparation:
Patients will be asked to fast for 6 hours prior to attending, in addition all acid recucing medications should have stopped 2 weeks before the procedure.
Procedure:
This test involves the passage of two different probes through the nose and into the oesophagus and upper part of the stomach. The first probe is used to measure the pressure in the oesophagus (gullet) at rest and when swallowing therefore patients will be asked to swallow pre prepared aliquots of food during this procedure. This aspect takes about 30 mins.
The second probe is a fine tube and is used to measure acid in the lower oesophagus (gullet). This has to remain in place over the course of a day and should measure acid reflux during normal day to day activities. The probe is connected to a small computer, around the size of a Walkman tape player, which is held in place by a belt at the waist. The patient will then be instructed to perform all their normal activities, including eating, mild exercising, going to work (if they don’t mind too many questions), and sleeping. The patient returns the next day to have the catheter removed.
Anaesthetic:
None although throat spray may be used to help passage of the probes
Post Operative Care:
There are no special instructions after the procedure. The analysis of the results may take a few days as such results are not immediately available.
OPC Codes: G2110
