Advanced Endoscopic Procedures, Designed to Understand and Resolve Heartburn

If you have heartburn frequently, chances are it is affecting your overall comfort and quality of life. It is important to know that the condition is treatable.

That’s where Beebe’s Heartburn Center comes in, with a goal to properly diagnose your conditions, so that the best possible treatment can be facilitated. The clinical providers who work at Beebe’s Heartburn Center are trained to perform the latest, most advanced diagnostic testing as well as the latest minimally invasive procedures, to give you both answers and solutions. We’ve compiled information into this article to help you understand what these procedures entail, in the event your doctor recommends one of them.

Manometry with Greater Clarity
Beebe’s specialists use ManoScan, a high-resolution manometry device to assess the pressure and motor function of a patient's esophagus. Using this technology, the specialist has greater clarity when evaluating if your esophagus is able to transfer food from your mouth to your stomach properly. The test involves placement of a small catheter, loaded with high resolution pressure sensors, inside the esophagus. Once the catheter is in place, you will be asked to swallow several times, and perhaps even take a few small sips of water. As you swallow, your muscle contractions are monitored and measured. The data generated by the sensors is used to understand if the heartburn you are experiencing is related to an esophageal disorder or other issue that needs to be addressed, medically. The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes to perform.

What is Bravo pH Monitoring?
Bravo is calibration-free is the capsule-based pH reflux testing system that can be used to determine if acid reflux is causing the patient's symptoms. It measures the amount of acidic substance from the stomach in the esophagus. The process is typically recommended for patients who are experiencing heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, helping them pinpoint their symptoms that ultimately lead to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A wireless capsule, about the size of a gel cap, is placed into your esophageal tissue. In tandem, a small receiver is placed on your belt or waistband. The devices work together to identify when heartburn or other symptoms of GERD take place in alignment with your eating and resting times and patterns, over a period of several days. Your doctor can then use the information the test provides to determine your most ideal plan of care.

What is Laparoscopic Fundoplication?
Laparoscopic fundoplication is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed to prevent content from the stomach from rising back up into the esophagus. The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower portion of the esophagus, which helps prevent the contents of the stomach from moving to the esophagus. The procedure is typically performed for patients who have not been able to resolve heartburn and GERD issues with medications, lifestyle adjustments, and other more conversative approaches.

To schedule an initial consultation with one of the specialists in Beebe’s Heartburn Center, please call 302-291-6033.