ODS - Oesophagael Diagnostic Services : Studies

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measurement
of peristalsis

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measurement
of acid reflux

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measurement
of no reflux

STUDIES PERFORMED

	Oesophageal Laboratory Studies
	Oesophageal Manometry
	Ambulatory pH Monitoring
	Bernstein Test
	Special

Oesophageal Laboratory Studies

Oesophageal laboratory studies identify the nature and severity of abnormal function responsible for symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, difficulties with swallowing and regurgitation.

This information is used to direct appropriate therapy more effectively, be it medical, surgical or simply to advise in terms of diet and lifestyle.

If a decision for surgery has already been made, measurement of function can influence the choice of surgical technique leading to superior post-operative results

Oesophageal Manometry

This study is a measurement of squeeze pressure. It provides information on the strength, position and coordination of muscles, presence of hiatal herniation and disorders of oesophageal motility such as spasm.

It is performed by passing a soft plastic catheter into the stomach via the nose. It is then slowly withdrawn through the lower oesophageal sphincter, oesophagus, upper oesophageal sphincter and finally the pharynx.

At regular intervals the patient is asked to swallow so that the dynamic response can be measured. In the sphincter region this is seen as a relaxation. In the oesophagus a wave of muscle contraction is seen to travel from the back of the mouth and proceed toward the stomach. This is peristalsis and it is the mechanism by which solid food is transported.

Ambulatory pH Monitoring

By directly measuring the presence of acid in the oesophagus it is possible to determine the pattern and severity of reflux and relate this to symptoms of heartburn, chest pain, coughing or choking attacks and regurgitation.

Normally there is no acid in the oesophagus if the sphincter or ‘valve’ between the stomach and oesophagus is working correctly.

A soft plastic coated wire, the pH probe, is passed gently into the nose and swallowed into the oesophagus. It is secured by tape to the nose, cheek and over the back of the ear and connected to a portable recorder designed to be carried into the home environment. The pH probe remains in place for a period of 24 hours. During this time it is possible to eat, drink and sleep quite normally until returning the next day.

Recorded data is then analysed and periods of oesophageal acidity are expressed as a percentage of the total recording time.

Bernstein Test

A low volume perfusion of weak acid through a manometry catheter can sometimes recreate atypical chest pain conditions and help determine the relationship between acid and pain.

Special

On the advice of your referring doctor any special oesophageal conditions can be studied in association with other diagnostic techniques, eg. ambulatory pH monitoring and simultaneous ECG recording / exercise test, sleep apnoea studies or simultaneous pharyngeal pH monitoring.

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	Oesophageal Diagnostic Services

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