Long-Term Esophageal pH Monitoring

It is the current gold standard for diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux (Gastric contents are aspirated into esophagus ). A catheter (a flexible tube approximately 2 mm in diameter) which has a tip sensitive to pH (acid) alterations is placed into the lower end of esophagus through nose. Outer tip of catheter is connected to a small computer. The pH (acid) alterations in the lower end of esophagus are saved in every 4-8 seconds by transferring the computer system. After recording, the catheter is removed and the data saved in the small computer are transferred to another computer and it is examined whether there is a leakage that would be considered as a disease. As more as the records are saved, more reliable results are obtained, so the procedure is performed on 24 hours a day in the unit. Since the operation cannot be performed without hospitalizing, the patient should stay at least an overnight. AN ALL-DAY VISITOR SHOULD STAY WITH THE PATIENT during hospitalization in order to keep certain records. The hard part of the operation is the first 20-30 seconds when the catheter is passed through the nose. Patient may feel nausea in the meanwhile. PATIENT SHOULD BE HUNGRY to prevent vomiting. You will be informed by your physician about the required period of fasting in accordance with the age of the child.