Oesophageal impedance test
Information prior to an oesophageal impedance test
Dear Patient, you are scheduled for an oesophageal impedance test. For the purpose of this examination and appended hereto, you have received the following: an information sheet and a declaration of consent. Please make sure to read these documents attentively as soon as you receive them. The declaration of consent will be kept in your medical records. The information sheet contains information relating to the test procedure and its related goals and risks. Please read it attentively. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any further questions as to the necessity and urgency of the examination, possible alternatives, and inherent risks. The doctor who prescribed the examination will be able to answer most of these questions. You may also contact us with specific questions relating to technical aspects or particular issues of the examination, as necessary. If you would like to contact me, please do so well ahead of time. You can also contact your attending physician. The information sheet is provided for your personal use and you may keep it. We kindly request that you fill in, date, and sign the consent declaration. Please bring it with you on the day of the examination. If problems arise or if you have any questions, please contact us or discuss them with your doctor.
What is an oesophageal impedance test?
The oesophageal impedance test is a new medical investigation method. It enables to detect and characterise gastric reflux through the oesophagus. Coupled with pH measurements, this technique is used to detect acidic and non-acidic reflux, to measure its propagation towards the oesophagus, and to establish temporal correlation with the patient’s symptoms. This method is particularly recommended to document gastrooesophageal reflux when an endoscopy returns negative results (does not reveal oesophagitis), to assess certain patients before and after anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication), to assess certain patients who do not respond to anti-acidic medication (PPIs), and to investigate the source of coughing and to better define atypical heartburn.
What are the contraindications associated with an oesophageal impedance test?
None.
How do I prepare for an oesophageal impedance test?
Warning: it might be necessary to interrupt the administration of heartburn and acidic reflux medication to ensure the acidity measurement is correct. At least one week prior to the examination, please stop taking proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs, Pantomed Lansoprazole, Nexium, Omeprazole, Pariet Pantozol, or equivalent generic medication). Two days before the examination, please stop taking anti-acidic reflux medication and gastric demulcents (Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Zantac, or equivalent generic medication). Please contact us if you have any doubt. Before the examination, please refrain from eating solid food after midnight. You may drink fat-free beverages (no milk) up to two hours before admission. You must continue to take the medication prescribed by your doctor, and swallow your pills with small sips of water. On the day of the examination, remember to tell us about the medication you are taking. Women are asked to refrain from wearing face cream or foundation in order to facilitate the attachment of the probe using sticky tape, and men are asked, if possible, to shave their beard and refrain from wearing aftershave lotion. The best-suited clothing for the examination is a shirt or a blouse rather than a sweater (no tight-fitting clothes).
How is an oesophageal impedance test conducted?
Before the examination, we will answer all your questions. Note: in certain cases (you may undergo an oesophascopy or an oesophageal manometry) to determine the position of the oesophago-gastric junction and to help with the proper positioning of the probe.
Local anaesthesia of the nostril is performed. The insertion of the tube is therefore painless, although gag reflexes and coughing remain present and the introduction can be perceived as unpleasant. A very thin tube is introduced through the nostril and placed in the oesophagus. The probe is introduced through the nostril until it reaches the oesophagus. When the probe is properly positioned, it is attached to the nasal wings and the cheek with sticky tape and must remain in this position for 24 hours. It is then connected to a recording device worn on a shoulder strap. The installation lasts roughly 30 minutes. Explanations are provided so that the main events occurring over the 24 hours are recorded in the box connected to the probe. You may attend to your daily activities, and we highly recommend you do so. This aspect is particularly important regarding your eating habits, as we want the examination to be representative of your daily routine. You can only drink water, coffee, or tea, but no fruit juice, no coca-cola, no beer, no wine, and no alcohol. You must avoid vinegar and other acid foodstuffs. The following day, the removal of the probe will take a few seconds.
Please keep your mobile phone away during the 24 hours of the recording period to avoid any interference.
What are the risks of an oesophageal impedance test?
Irritation of the nose or throat is possible, but is generally short-lived. Sometimes nose bleeds can occur because of local irritation caused by the probe. The presence of the probe can be perceived as unpleasant for several hours (in the nose, throat, and oesophagus). In exceptional cases (< 0.1 %), it can cause minor bleeding in the nose, throat, and even the oesophagus. The probe may prove to be awkward during your daily routine and when you sleep. If you experience problems during the examination, please contact us immediately. If any complications arise, it is important to contact us immediately (secretaries’ office 02/614.37.10), or to contact your attending physician or the closest hospital.
Do you have any other questions?
If you have further questions about the scheduled examination, please contact your attending physician. If they are unable to answer your questions, please contact us.
