This new technology allows physicians to accurately measure acid reflux for 48 hrs in the esophagus and correlate the acid level in the esophagus with the symptoms.
Patients will be asked to keep a daily recording of events such as eating, drinking and lying down. Patients should also mark when and if they have any of these symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, cough or regurgitation.
The procedure is usually done to confirm the presence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly in cases where such a diagnosis is uncertain. For example, this test can be performed in patients who have typical symptoms of GERD but are not responding to standard anti-acid therapy. It can also be useful to establish or eliminate GERD as a cause for patients with symptoms that are not typically associated with GERD, such as chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness.
The capsule is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus during an upper endoscopy (under sedation). Some patients have an awareness of “something in the esophagus”, but patients generally tolerate it very well and do not usually have pain from the capsule.
The capsule transmits readings by radio telecommunications to a receiver worn on a patient’s belt. After the study is completed, the patient brings the recorder back to the endoscopy suite. The information is then downloaded to a computer for the doctor to review. The capsule simply falls off on its own and is lost in a patient’s bowel movements, usually within 7-10 days (patients may not see it).
Patients can resume a normal diet, medication and activities. No MRI exams should be performed for 30 days.
