PROCEDURES - Bravo pH Monitoring

The diagnosis of gastroespohageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn and its atypical manifestations including chest pain, chronic cough, laryngitis and asthma can be challenging to primary care physicians, pulmonary physicians, and gastroenterologists alike. Previously testing to measure the acidity of the esophagus required placement of a plastic catheter through the nose into the stomach. This catheter remained in place attached to a data recorder for twenty four hours.

Now with the advent of wireless technology the physicians of Allied Gastrointestinal Associates can attach a small capsule directly to the lining of the esophagus. This capsule collects data on the acidity of the esophagus for 48 hours and transmits the data to a recording device. This allows for increased patient comfort, longer periods of data recording, and most important improved diagnosis of reflux disease and its complications. The recording device is about the size of a pager and is worn on your belt. You can also record your GERD symptoms, like heartburn, by pushing a button on the recording device. You will also keep a diary noting when you eat or drink, when you lay down, and when you get back up.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have an implanted cardiac device such as a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD), a history of bleeding problems, dilated esophageal blood vessels called varices, and any other known problems with your esophagus.

It is important to hold certain medications before the procedure, unless specifically directed by your doctor. Medications like omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium) should not be taken for 7 days prior to the procedure. Medications like ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid) or metoclopramide (Reglan) should not be taken within 48 hours of the procedure.

Over the counter antacids like Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Phillips, Riopan, Tums, or any other brands should not be taken within 6 hours of the procedure.

Do not eat anything at all after midnight the day before the procedure.