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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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Measuring Muscle Tone

If surgery is a possibility for you, esophageal manometry may be used to measure the muscle tone of the LES and to tailor the surgical procedure to you. This test also shows how well the esophagus squeezes food along. Your nose and throat will be numbed with an anesthetic to make it easier to swallow a lubricated tube. The flexible tube is then gently guided from your nose into your stomach. Water is passed through the tube. Measurements are taken as the tube is slowly withdrawn from your stomach into the esophagus. You must not eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before this test, which takes about 30 minutes. You may have a slightly sore throat after the test.

Esophageal manometry measures the actual pressure of the LES at rest and while you swallow.

Monitoring Acid in the Esophagus
Your doctor may ask you to undergo a pH monitoring test. A thin, acid-measuring probe is placed in your esophagus for up to 24 hours to record how much acid washes back from your stomach into your esophagus. Antacids may be used to control symptoms before and during the test, but avoid stronger medications because they may affect the accuracy of the test.

Ruling Out Gallbladder Problems
To rule out problems with your gallbladder, such as gallstones, a painless ultrasound test may be performed. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images on a screen as your abdomen is scanned for gallstones.

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
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Last Revised 07/2009 20351091(1)-12/03-EBS-CON

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