- A barium esophagram or swallow is used as an initial diagnostic test for several esophageal conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) as well as complications such as stricture, obstruction, narrowing, ulcers and tumors.
- During this procedure, the patient swallow barium, a while, chalky substance, which can then be viewed via x-ray. Using this procedure the physician can view many abnormalities associated with the esophagus.
- The disadvantage of this procedure is that it can miss smaller ulcers and tumors. This test is also not very effective for diagnosing gastro-esophageal reflux with GERD.
- a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that visualises the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract up to the duodenum.
- (EGD) identifies the presence and severity of esophagitis and the possible presence of Barrett esophagus.
- EGD also excludes the presence of other diseases (eg, peptic ulcer) that can present similarly to GERD.
- Although EGD is frequently performed to help diagnose GERD, it is not the most cost-effective diagnostic study because esophagitis is present in only 50% of patients with GERD.
- Esophageal manometry measures pressure within the esophagus. This test may also be referred to as an esophageal motility or function study.
- During esophageal manometry, a tiny, pressure-sensitive tube is inserted through your nose — or sometimes your mouth — and into your esophagus. There, it measures the effects of muscle contractions as you swallow. The test takes less than one hour.
- Manometry may also be used to measure pressures in your stomach (gastric motility), small intestine (small intestine manometry) and rectum (anorectal function).
24-hours Esophageal pH test
- An esophageal pH test measures and records the pH in your esophagus to determine if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The test can also be done to determine the effectiveness of medications or surgical treatment for GERD.
- A thin, small tube with an acid sensing device on the tip is gently passed through your nose, down the esophagus ("food tube"), and positioned about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is secured to the side of your face with clear tape. The end of the tube exiting from your nose is attached to a portable recorder that is worn on your belt or over your shoulder.
- The recorder has several buttons on it that you will press to mark certain events. A nurse will review the monitoring instructions with you.
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