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Summary:

  • Manometry and pH studies can assess the function of the oesophagus
  • Price: $560 procedure fee

A meeting of experts from around the world have agreed on what constitutes Reflux and GORD and set out guidelines for the investigation and treatment of Reflux or GORD. At a conference in Lyon France agreement was reached on a systematic way to investigate and treat “Reflux” type symptoms.

Relying on history or symptoms alone even by a trained medical can be unhelpful abut may not be accurate enough to be the only criteria and is only sensitive in 80% patients to diagnose the condition, further investigation is almost always required to confirm or rule out the condition.

Specialised tests such as Manometry and 24 hour pH studies may be indicated in some cases to assist with diagnosis.

This page provides information regarding the Manometry and pH study service offered by LapSurgery Australia. You may have been advised by your doctor to undergo a study to assess your oesophagus. This can be done using our high resolution ManoScan machine which assesses the functioning of your oesophagus. You may also need to wear a monitor for 24 hours to assess acid levels in your oesophagus.

  • Manometry

    Manometry is conducted by passing a small plastic tube (catheter) into the oesophagus via the nose. A local anaesthetic spray makes this more comfortable. During the study you will be asked to hold and then swallow small amounts (5ml) of water or saline. The Manoscan machine then measures the function of your oesophagus. The Manometry studies should take approximately 30 minutes to perform and you are able to drive yourself home following the procedure.

  • 24-Hour Acid Study (pH Study)

    For the pH studies, the first catheter is removed and replaced with a fine catheter that can stay in place for the 24 hours. This is then connected to a recording device worn under your clothing and secured with a belt. The catheter is secured to the nose with tape. You can go about your daily activities but may prefer to stay at home as the catheter is easily visible.

    If a 24-hour pH study is performed you will need to return the next day for removal of the catheter and returning of the recording device. During the 24-hour study it is important that you eat and drink normally. You should also eat a “challenge” meal which is high in fat and more likely to show a strong acid response. This may be pizza, hamburger and chips or another food of your choice.

    You will be instructed how to record certain events during the 24-hour study such as meals, medications and sleeping. These will be recorded both on the device (by pressing certain buttons) and in a written diary.

  • Can I be asleep when I have the test?

    Unfortunately, you have to be completely awake as the swallow reflex is lost when we are asleep and instructions to swallow, which is an involuntary step, is not possible. Where patients are extremely anxious the surgeon may advocate prior sedation medication to help with passage of the catheter, discuss this with the team on your pre op contact.

  • Is the test uncomfortable?

    The main discomfort is passage of the tube via the nose, local anaesthetic placed into the nose will assist but not completely rule out discomfort, once in place the tube is tolerable, the test takes approximately ten minutes to carry out.

  • Preparing for your procedure
    Prior to your procedure, you will need to do the following:

    1. Cease any of the following medications for the 10 days before the procedure:

    • Omeprazole (Losec)
    • Lansoprazole (Zoton)
    • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    • Pantoprazole (Somac)
    • Rabeprazole (Pariet)
    • Ranatidine (Zantac)
    • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
    • Famotidine (Pepcid)
    • Nizatidine (Axid)
    • Mylanta/Gaviscon

    2. Cease any sedatives such as Valium for 24 hours

    3. Fast for a minimum of 6 hours.

    4. Inform staff of any allergies you may have to tapes or medications.