Locations When is Testing Somerset (Main Office) Hamilton 81 Veronica Ave 1670 Whitehorse Appropriate? Suite 205 Hamilton Somerset, NJ 08873 Square Road, #3 Approximately 20% of Americans suffer from Trenton, NJ 08619 heartburn—the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left East Brunswick Marlboro uncontrolled, chronic (long-term) heartburn can 192 Summerhill Road 479 County Road 520 result in serious health problems, including: 2nd Floor #203A • Esophagitis – erosions and ulcers in the East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Marlboro, NJ 07746 lining of the esophagus Edison Princeton • Barett’s esophagus – abnormal cells in the 2 Lincoln Highway 10 Forrestal Road South esophagus, a risk factor for cancer of the #100B #101 esophagus Edison, NJ 08820 Princeton, NJ 08540 Heartburn, • Strictures – scarring of the lining of the esophagus GERD, & • Esophageal cancer (732) 640-5316 When medication or lifestyle changes don’t Reflux Testing alleviate the symptoms of GERD, your doctor BariatricSurgeryNewJersey.com may order tests to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. Esophageal Motility Study Wireless Esophageal pH Barium Swallow/UGIS (Upper (Manometry) Monitoring (BRAVO) Gastrointestinal Series) The esophagus is a long, muscular tube (sometimes Wireless Esophageal pH Monitoring, also known A barium swallow study can show if you’re called the “food pipe”) that connects your throat to as Bravo pH monitoring, is a capsule-based test experiencing reflux while standing up or lying down. your stomach. Esophageal manometry will help us for identifying the presence of acid reflux. The test It can also show any abnormalities, such as a hiatal find out how the muscles work in your esophagus measures acid exposure in the esophagus, counts the hernia. number of reflux episodes you have, and allows your while you’re swallowing, including the: This study is a series of X-rays of the esophagus, doctor to measure whether or not your symptoms are stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, • Rhythmic muscle contractions that occur in your caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). esophagus when you swallow called the duodenum. X-rays are taken during and The Bravo capsule is inserted in the esophagus during after drinking contrast material called barium. The • Force and coordination of esophageal muscles an upper endoscopy and the patient will wear a small barium solution is a thick, chalky, milkshake-like as they move food to your stomach receiver to record the data from the capsule for 48 to liquid that coats the inside lining of your GI tract, Your nose and throat will be numbed. A small tube 96 hours after testing. Approximately 95% of patients making it more visible on the X-rays. have no sensation that the Bravo has been placed. containing pressure sensors will then be placed through your nose, down your esophagus, and into When the specified period of the test is complete, your stomach. You will be asked to swallow water you will return the receiver. The information from the Preparing for the test receiver will help your doctor diagnose GERD and several times until the tube is removed. Do not eat for at least eight hours before the test the appropriate treatment, if necessary. The capsule or drink six hours before the test. The test will take about one hour to complete. will automatically detach and move through your digestive system a few days after the test. Preparing for the test Do not eat for at least eight hours before the test Preparing for the test or drink six hours before the test. Do not take any Do not eat for at least eight hours or drink six hours Additional Testing medications on the day of the test, including blood before the endoscopy procedure in which the Bravo pressure medication, heart medication, and muscle will be inserted. Depending on your symptoms, your physician relaxants. Do not take Reglan (Metoclopramide) 48 may order additional testing, including: Your doctor will instruct you on how to take your hours before the test. Do not smoke for at least two acid suppressing medications, but in most cases, • EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) hours before the test. Plan to arrive 30 minutes you will be asked to discontinue use of the following • Abdominal Ultrasound before your test. medications prior to testing; in order to achieve • Gastric Emptying the best test results, we need your acid build-up to • CCK (Cholecystokinin) After the test be at its worst. Discontinue use of heartburn relief • HIDA Scan You may feel a temporary sore throat after the test. medications such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium Lozenges or gargling with salt water may help. and Aciphex for at least five-to-seven days prior to Please call your physician if you experience any testing. Discontinue use of Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, new or increased chest pain, difficulty swallowing, Carafate and antacids (Maalox, Rolaids, Tums, etc.) at shortness of breath, or an elevated temperature. least 48 hours prior to testing.