Small Bowel Imaging & pH Monitoring

Small Bowel Capsule Exams

Despite the use of flexible scopes to examine the upper and lower digestive tract there is a large amount of the small intestine that is difficult to examine. Dr. Schneider has been performing capsule studies of the small bowel for 18 years. Through modern technology components have been placed into a capsule that can be swallowed by the patient. The capsule is equipped with sensors and flash not unlike those on your smart phone. The PillCam™ then takes a series of photos as it travels through the digestive track. The photos are transmitted to a recording device attached to the patients abdomen. The patient is then allowed to leave the office and return several hours later. There are some minor steps to prepare for this test. The capsule is a sealed unit that is then passed in stool waste. This captures photos of the entire small bowel in most cases. The recorder is returned and images downloaded to a computer for review. PillCam™ is a registered trademark of Medtronic INC.

Bravo™ pH Study (Ambulatory pH Monitoring)

Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)are sometimes sufficient to establish a diagnosis of acid reflux. They're situations where you may need to determine if the patients symptoms are related to acid reflux into the esophagus. In the past this was a difficult procedure to perform. Today reflux of acid into the esophagus can be measured while the patient is at home. This study captures up to 96 hours of data. This does require an upper endoscopy and the placement of the Bravo™ sensor in the distal esophagus. The sensor will then measure pH and relay this wirelessly to a data recorder that is worn by the patient. The patient keeps a diary of events and returns the data recorder to the office at the completion of the study. The data is then downloaded to a computer where software generates a detailed report for the physician to interpret.

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