The physicians and staff of the esophageal testing laboratory perform several procedures that assist in the diagnosis of patients with esophageal disorders. These procedures include:

BRAVO pH Monitoring

The BRAVO pH monitoring system was developed by Tom DeMeester, the former chairman of the Department of Surgery at Creighton University. BRAVO is a one-inch capsule that is introduced through the nose with a topical local anesthetic and placed in the mid-esophagus, where it determines the amount of acid that enters the esophagus during a 24 hour study period.

The capsule transmits a signal to a data recorder worn on the patient’s belt. The patient eats, sleeps and performs their normal daily functions during the test and then returns to the laboratory. The data recorder is attached to a computer that receives the data and interprets it. The device is more accurate than the old pH tube that was worn through the nose for 24 hours. The capsule does not alter the diet as a tube in the nose and pharynx often would and it is more comfortable. The test assists our physicians in determining if patients are candidates for more intense medical therapy, an endoscopic procedure or anti-reflux surgery.

Esophageal Manometry

Esophageal manometry is performed on patients suffering with symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, unexplained choking, coughing, trouble swallowing, asthma or chest pain. A small tube is passed through the nose into the stomach and swallowing function is tested. Patients are not sedated during the procedure.

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Upper endoscopy allows physicians to check for esophageal disease such as strictures, inflammation and cancer. A lighted flexible scope is placed down the esophagus to view the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Patients are fully sedated during the procedure.

Plicator Procedure

Creighton University Medical Center is among the first in the region to offer a new treatment option for the millions of Americans dependent on medications to control symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Plicator™ procedure, performed on an outpatient basis, has been shown to reduce or completely eliminate symptoms and medication use associated with GERD.

The Plicator procedure is a non-surgical, endoscopic treatment designed to correct the underlying mechanical defect that causes GERD. The procedure allows physicians to tighten the valve between the esophagus and stomach, restoring the normal anti-reflux barrier. The Plicator procedure is performed under conscious sedation, typically in 30 minutes or less, and allows patients to return home the same day.

Learn More:

• The Esophageal Center
• Leaders In Surgery
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diagnosis
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treatment
• EsophyX TIF Procedure
• Swallowing Disorders and Reflux Disease
• PillCam-ESO
• Barrett’s Clinic
• Clinical Research
• Meet the Team