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Ambulatory Oesophageal pH Monitoring
Ambulatory Oesophageal pH Monitoring is a diagnostic test used to measure acid levels in the oesophagus over 24 hours, helping to identify the cause of persistent reflux symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
How does ambulatory pH monitoring work?
Ambulatory pH monitoring measures the acidity (pH) at the lower end of the oesophagus (gullet).
This can be a useful test for people with symptoms of:
regurgitation
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
What is involved with ambulatory pH monitoring?
Catheter oesophageal pH monitor uses a thin tube containing a pH probe that is inserted through the nose and down into the oesophagus. This device measures the pH for 24 hours, to assess the frequency and duration of acid reflux.
Capsule pH monitoring uses a small capsule temporarily clipped to the oesophagus. The capsule measures the pH in the lower oesophagus over 48 hours and wirelessly transmits this information to a small receiver worn on your belt or waistband.
The Examination
We offer two methods for measuring oesophageal pH: using a catheter and using a capsule.
Our team of specialists and nurses are experience at conducting ambulatory pH monitoring. They will be happy to answer any questions that you have about having pH monitoring and whether it may be helpful for you.
Catheter pH Monitoring
For catheter pH monitoring a thin catheter is inserted through the nose and into the oesophagus. The placement of the catheter will take about 10 minutes and is completed at Intus in the consulting rooms. You will be able to swallow, talk, and breath without difficulty while the catheter is in place.
The catheter is secured to your nose and a small recording device is worn on your belt or with a shoulder strap. The recording device stores the pH data, which is later analysed by a specialist. You will also be asked to record your activities, symptoms, and meals during the test, which helps interpreting the results. The next day you will return to Intus to have the catheter removed, which takes less than one minutes.
Capsule pH Monitoring
For capsule pH monitoring your specialist will place the capsule during a gastroscopy. You will received instructions about how to press the buttons on the receiver when you experience symptoms.
After 48 hours, you will return the receiver to Intus. The disposable capsule will spontaneously detach and be passed through the digestive tract a few days later.
Find A Specialist
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Dr James Wilkins
Oesophago-gastric Surgeon
