Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

The esophageal manometry is a diagnostic test used in gastroenterology to study esophageal motility. The examination is performed by placing a nasogastric tube into the esophagus of the patient. With esophageal manometry, it is therefore possible to follow the peristaltic wave of the esophagus during swallowing and to verify any motor esophagus (dysphagia abnormalities, achalasia, and diffuse esophageal spasm). The high resolution esophageal manometry, using the latest generation sensors, provides the opportunity to give, at the same time, immediate information of the entire upper digestive tract. The new technology, with the latest classification of Chicago provides a precision and ease than ever before diagnosis. The examination of esophageal manometry high resolution is done through the introduction nasally trans of a catheter with variable number of sensors from 24 to 36 depending on the technology. This allows the complete study of deglutitiva phase maintaining the tube in one location, with the result to obtain: Full results and coordinated activities of the entire deglutitiva; faster execution of the examination; increased compliance examination by the patient. The Ph-metry esophageal 24 hours allows to measure the pH of the esophageal tract for 24 hours, and then determine the number of reflux of acid type had. This examination is carried out by inserting one nostril through a nasogastric tube and placing it into the esophagus. The tube is connected to an instrument, very light and compact, which will record the pH for the entire 24 hours. After placing the tube of pH monitoring, the patient will go home, trying to spend the day in a manner more similar to normal. The examination of pH-metry has some limits: it indicates, in fact, only episodes of reflux of acid type, i.e., if the pH has fallen below the value of 4. Also it cannot determine exactly how high it gets into the esophagus reflux. Symptomatic patients may have a perfectly normal manometry and pH-metry negative! These problems have been overcome by pH-impedance of 24 hours. A nasogastric tube is used on which a pH sensor (two times) is positioned and six channels measure the electrical impedance. The impedance (an electrical resistance) is measured by the instrument and its value varies with the bolus passage. Having six impedance channels on the tube, we cannot discriminate against a swallowing by a reflux and also know how high it's reflux into the esophagus and duration of reflux itself. In addition, since the tube is present as pH sensor, it is also possible to know the degree of acidity of the reflux. The combined pH and impedance measurements have made it possible to classify new categories of reflux: Refluxes acids (pH <4 such as the pH-metry classic examination); refluxes repeated acids while the pH is <4, normally recognized by pH-metry as a single episode of reflux; refluxes mildly acidic with pH> 4 but <7 and; refluxes not with acid pH> 7.

Biography

Giuseppe Del Buono completed his Graduation in Medicine and Surgery in 1981. He is interested in the study of Pathophysiology of the Digestive Tract and Neurogastroenterology. He works with the best specialists in every sector and structure, public and private, to understand and solve a 360° diagnostic and therapeutic issue of gastroenterology. He has to his credit numerous publications and participation at conferences.

Email: giuseppe.delbuono@libero.it