PROCEDURES - Bravo pH Monitoring Expectations
The scheduling office will call you the day before the procedure to confirm your exact time. Because of cancellations, times cannot be confirmed far in advance. Plan on arriving at the surgical center about 45 minutes before the procedure. Click for directions on how to get to the center.
Upon arrival at the center, you will sign in the reception area. Although coffee and snacks are available, do not eat or drink anything! All pre-menopausal women are required to take a urine pregnancy test prior to their procedure so, if you do have to go, have the nurse get you a specimen cup so you won't have to go twice.
You will then be led to the pre-procedure area. There you meet the anesthesiologist, who reviews your medical history and explains how the sedation works. You change your clothes and put on a hospital gown and a robe. An IV line is then inserted into your arm - through this line you will eventually get the sedative. The nurse then leads you into the procedure room, where you lie down on a bed. You will put in a protective plastic guard for your teeth. You then are given medication through your IV and gradually fall asleep. Since the procedure does not begin until after you are asleep, you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
During the procedure, a thin flexible tube called an endoscope is gently inserted into your mouth. The endoscope has a camera on the end of it, allowing it to be guided from your mouth into your stomach and intestine. The doctor will then examine your esophagus, stomach and intestine. He or she can take pictures, biopsies, inject medication or do whatever else is needed. The Bravo probe is then attached to the esophagus. The endoscope is then slowly withdrawn. The procedure itself takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure is over, patients are taken to the recovery area. The sedation wears off quickly, so within 15 minutes you are awake and walking. The nurse will offer you a light snack of juice and crackers. Once you are fully awake your doctor will speak with you and review the results of your procedure. You and your family member will be able to ask any questions you may have. You can then go home. Generally, your diet is not restricted after the procedure.
Patients typically feel quite well after the procedure. If you develop fever, bleeding or abdominal pain once you are home you should contact your doctor.
The Bravo probe will then start recording pH levels. Follow your usual daily routine. Do not reduce or change your activities during the monitoring period. Doing so can make the monitoring results less useful. Note: do not get the receiver wet! It is not waterproof.
Try to keep to your normal routine as much as possible. Eat your regular meals at the usual times. If you do not eat normally, the test results will not be accurate. Eat at least two meals a day, and eat foods that may increase your symptoms. Don't overdo it, but eat foods that may cause reflux episodes. Do not snack, or suck on hard candy or lozenges, or chew gum.
Try to remain upright throughout the day and do not lie down until you go to bed. If napping is a normal part of your daily routine, that's fine - but be sure to record this on your diary.
Press the appropriate button on the receiver when symptoms occur. Record the time you start and stop eating and drinking (anything other than plain water). Also record every time you lie down and when you get back up. The nurse will explain how to record this information.
Continue to follow your doctor's advice regarding medicines to avoid during the monitoring period. If you think you might be experiencing any unusual symptoms or side effects, call your doctor.
You will return the receiver and diary when the monitoring period is over. The information on the receiver will be downloaded to a computer. The results as well your diary will be reviewed and analyzed.
Afterwards, resume your normal diet and medications. Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you during your next scheduled appointment. The capsule itself will detach on its own within 7 to 10 days and pass in the stool. You should not have any MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) tests within 30 days of capsule insertion.
