When you swallow, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) controls the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach. This valve only opens when you swallow food. When it doesn’t open or close correctly, contents in the stomach like acid, bile, and food, can travel back up into the esophagus.

The physicians at Atlantic Digestive Specialists conduct an esophageal pH monitoring test to measure how much stomach acid or pH enters the esophagus, and how well it clears into the stomach. This helps your physician diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

The procedure can be accomplished by either gently placing a thin, small tube with acid sensors, called a pH probe, through the nose into the esophagus about two inches above the LES, or by a wireless capsule temporarily implanted in the esophagus.

At Atlantic Digestive Specialists you will benefit from the personal care and technologically advanced procedures performed by our leading, board-certified gastroenterologists. Contact us for more information on pH probe placement.