The highly experienced and skilled laboratory staff performs the following procedures to assist in the diagnosis of patients with esophageal disorders. These include:

BRAVO pH monitoring – A player in the role of development is Thomas DeMeester, M.D., former chairman of the Creighton University Medical Center Department of Surgery. BRAVO is a small disposable capsule that is introduced through the nose with a topical local anesthetic and placed in the mid-esophagus to determine the amount of acid that enters the esophagus during a 24-hour study period. The test assists physicians in determining if patients are candidates for more intense medical therapy, an endoscopic procedure or anti-reflux surgery.

Upper Endoscopy - Allows the physician to check for esophageal disease such as strictures, inflammation and cancer. It is performed by placing a lighted scope down the esophagus to view the esophagus and stomach.

Endoscopic Ultrasound – This test is used for patients with esophageal or stomach cancer. It determines the depth of the tumor and the presence of lymph node metastases. This knowledge assists the surgical team in planning therapy.

BARRX Ablation – Patients with Barrett’s esophagus are at risk for cancer. This technology designed to allow the physician to remove the Barrett’s lining and thus reduce and/or eliminate the chance of developing a cancer. It is an outpatient procedure; however, 50 percent of the time, it requires a follow-up treatment.

Esophageal Manometry - For patients suffering with symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, unexplained choking, coughing, trouble swallowing, asthma and chest or stomach pain. The test examines the muscle function of the esophagus and determines the effectiveness of the valve between the esophagus and stomach. A small tube is passed through the nose into the stomach and determines the patient's swallowing function with and without water.