![]() ![]() However, the test itself is simple to perform. There is a slight learning curve involved to ensure that any saliva or liquid in the esophagus is removed, as liquid can artificially result in a lower mucosal-impedance reading. MV Endoscopic-guided mucosal impedance is a very safe procedure it only takes a few minutes to complete the entire test and receive results. G&H How safe is this procedure? Is a learning curve involved in performing it? There are studies on the use of acid-suppressive therapies such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but other outcome studies are lacking. ![]() For example, there are no data on surgical outcomes in patients who undergo surgery for GERD due to epithelium alteration based on mucosal impedance. We know that we can diagnose GERD, but what we do not know is whether the outcome will be different. The disadvantage is that the test needs further validation with outcome studies. MV The advantages are that the test takes only 2 minutes to perform, is a simple through-the-scope procedure performed during endoscopy, and has no need for prolonged uncomfortable testing with through-the-nose pH or impedance-pH monitoring. G&H What are the advantages and limitations of this method compared with other diagnostic tests? By using this device to touch the lining of the esophagus at various locations, clinicians can differentiate GERD from non-GERD status without the need for prolonged ambulatory monitoring methods. Patients with chronic GERD have an altered esophageal epithelium, which results in high conductivity and low mucosal impedance. The test is essentially a measure of conductivity of esophageal epithelium to current. MV The endoscopic-guided mucosal impedance test is a new technique that employs a through-the-scope catheter that touches the lining of the esophagus to determine changes in the epithelium due to chronic gastroduodenal contents. G&H How does endoscopic-guided mucosal impedance identify GERD? The procedure is currently geared more toward surgeons, who use the test for anatomic purposes in order to assess hernias or motility disorders. Thus, if a patient has had GERD for 10 years, a 2-day monitoring test may not reflect the true nature of the patient’s esophagus.īarium swallow has been used to diagnose GERD as well, although its sensitivity is even lower than that of pH or impedance-pH monitoring, and is rarely used by gastroenterologists to detect GERD. The wireless system has better sensitivity however, the 2-day monitoring only provides a snapshot of the patient’s esophagus as opposed to an evaluation of the chronicity of the disease and the consequence of that chronicity. Patients being tested with the catheter system may not eat, drink, or perform activities as usual, which results in lower sensitivity. The challenges with either test are the cost of the procedure, patient discomfort, and lack of sensitivity. pH monitoring can be performed using either a catheter-based system or a wireless system. Therefore, clinicians rely on other tests, such as pH or impedance-pH monitoring. Endoscopy may reveal esophagitis that would point to GERD however, 70% to 80% of patients with GERD often have a normal endoscopy. MV Current diagnostic tests for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include endoscopy, pH or impedance-pH monitoring, and barium swallow. G&H What tests are currently being used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |