Treating Reflux, Hiatal & Paraesophageal Patients with the Latest in Advanced Surgical Care

Overview| 

 

Most patients that have gastroesophageal disorders from reflux to achalasia to stomach cancer will require specific tests that will be discussed with you during the initial appointment. Some tests maybe set up for you even prior to your initial visit if appropriate. If you have had outside tests performed we may ask your permission to obtain results for a more comprehensive discussion of management at the initial visit. 

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Typically to minimize your inconvenience we will arrange to perform some testing during your visit if feasible and if further testing is required attempt to arrange based on your schedule. 

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Typical, testing includes:

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• X-ray (barium swallow) detects a hiatal hernia or a narrowing of the esophagus.

• Endoscopy enables the physician to see inside the throat and into the stomach. In a diagnostic endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera and light is inserted through the mouth and down the throat.

• Esophageal manometry shows how well the muscles of the esophagus are functioning. In our state-of-the art esophageal motility lab, we can obtain information about the functioning of the muscular valve located between the esophagus and the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter), and the ability of the esophageal muscles to squeeze (esophageal peristalsis).

• Ambulatory pH monitoring measures the frequency and amount of gastric contents (acid and non-acid) that reflux from the stomach to the esophagus, usually over a 24-48 hour period. This test either involves threading a very thin tube (catheter) through the nose and down the esophagus or placing a chip (Bravo device) to the esophagus.   "Ambulatory" means that you can walk around and perform your normal activities while wearing this monitor.

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