About PH Monitoring
Key Highlights
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Provides the most accurate and objective measurement of acid reflux episodes.Helps diagnose GERD in patients with atypical symptoms not responding to initial treatment.Guides personalized treatment plans, including the need for medication or surgery.Can be performed with a catheter-based system or a wireless capsule for patient comfort.Essential for pre-surgical evaluation before anti-reflux procedures.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent heartburn or acid regurgitation not responding to standard medication.
- Atypical symptoms of GERD, such as chronic cough, hoarseness, chest pain, or asthma.
- Evaluation of non-cardiac chest pain to rule out esophageal causes.
- Pre-operative assessment for anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication).
- Monitoring the effectiveness of existing medical or surgical treatment for GERD.
- Diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
How to prepare
- You will be asked to stop taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) for 7 days and H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) for 2-3 days before the test, unless instructed otherwise.
- Fast for 4-6 hours prior to the catheter placement procedure.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure.
- For wireless capsule monitoring, an upper endoscopy may be required first to place the capsule.
Risks & possible complications
- Mild discomfort, sore throat, or nosebleed from catheter insertion.
- Gagging sensation or difficulty swallowing during initial placement.
- Rare risk of esophageal perforation (very low with experienced practitioners).
- For the wireless capsule: rare risk of the capsule not detaching and requiring endoscopic removal.
- Skin irritation from the adhesive holding the external recorder.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You can resume normal activities and diet immediately after catheter placement.
- You will carry a small data recorder and press buttons to log symptoms, meals, and sleep times.
- Avoid showers or baths to keep the recorder dry; sponge baths are recommended.
- Return after 24 hours (or as scheduled) to have the catheter gently removed.
- For wireless capsule monitoring, the capsule passes naturally in the stool within a few days. You will return the recorder as instructed.
- Your gastroenterologist will schedule a follow-up to discuss the detailed results and treatment plan.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: Immediate to 1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ph monitoring in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ph monitoring in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ph monitoring. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ph monitoring compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for PH Monitoring in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing ph monitoring.
Aarav Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Aarav Reddy, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been battling a persistent, burning sensation in his chest and throat for over a year. Despite taking over-the-counter antacids, his symptoms worsened, especially at night, disrupting his sleep and leaving him constantly fatigued. His primary care doctor referred him to a gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, who suspected refractory GERD. Dr. Mehta recommended a 24-hour pH monitoring test to precisely measure the acid levels in his esophagus and confirm the diagnosis. Aarav was anxious about the procedure, particularly the placement of the thin, flexible catheter through his nose. The insertion was uncomfortable and made him gag, and the following day was challenging, he felt the tube constantly, had to eat soft foods, and was self-conscious at work. However, the data was conclusive, showing severe acid reflux. With this evidence, Dr. Mehta prescribed a stronger medication regimen and suggested specific lifestyle changes. Within weeks, Aarav's symptoms dramatically improved. He could sleep through the night and enjoy meals with his family without pain. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and helplessness to immense relief and empowerment, finally having a clear path to manage his condition.
Gastroenterologists for PH Monitoring
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform ph monitoring and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai