24-Hour pH & Manometry Studies

24 HOUR PH & MANOMETRY STUDIES

24-hour pH monitoring and manometry studies are diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the function of the esophagus and diagnose conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal motility disorders, or swallowing issues. These studies are typically performed together to provide a comprehensive assessment of esophageal function and reflux behavior.

What are 24-Hour pH Monitoring and Manometry Studies?

Both 24-hour pH monitoring and esophageal manometry are diagnostic tests used to evaluate the function of the esophagus and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), among other esophageal disorders. These tests provide important data on how well the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is functioning and whether acid reflux is present.

A 24-hour pH and manometry study is a test that measures the amount of acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus over a 24-hour period. The test can help determine if symptoms are caused by acid reflux and what treatment is best. 

24 HOUR PH & MANOMETRY STUDIES

24 HOUR PH & MANOMETRY STUDIES

What is 24-Hour pH Monitoring?

24-hour pH monitoring measures the amount of acid in the esophagus over a 24-hour period. It is the gold standard for diagnosing GERD and helps evaluate the correlation between acid reflux and symptoms such as heartburn or regurgitation.

How the Procedure Works:

Insertion of pH Probe:
A thin, flexible tube (pH probe) is inserted through the nose or mouth and passed down the esophagus to a position just above the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. The probe is positioned to detect the pH levels (acid concentration) over 24 hours.

pH Measurement:
The probe continuously records the pH of the esophagus. A normal pH level in the esophagus is around 7 (neutral), but in cases of acid reflux, the pH will drop (becoming acidic, typically <4).

Symptom Logging:
During the test, the patient is asked to keep a diary of symptoms, such as heartburn or regurgitation, so the timing and frequency of symptoms can be correlated with acid reflux events.

Data Analysis:
After 24 hours, the probe is removed, and the recorded data is analyzed to determine the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes. The correlation with the patient's symptoms helps confirm the diagnosis of GERD.

Indications for 24-Hour pH Monitoring:

Uncontrolled GERD symptoms: When symptoms do not respond to medications.
Evaluation of reflux surgery: To determine if surgery like fundoplication has successfully controlled reflux.
Atypical symptoms of GERD: Symptoms such as cough, chest pain, asthma, or hoarseness that might not be clearly linked to acid reflux.
Pre-surgical assessment: To identify whether acid reflux is contributing to symptoms like laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Risks and Discomfort:

Nasal or throat irritation: From the placement of the probe.
Mild discomfort: For the duration of the test (24 hours).
Infection: Rare, but possible, if the probe causes any irritation or injury to the nasal passage or throat.