Overview
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) heartburn & swallowing general surgery team offers fully integrated care and expertise in the management of a broad spectrum of esophageal diseases. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic heart burn or acid reflux, our team of experts provide years of experience and advanced technologies to aid in your diagnosis.
Our providers have several ways of diagnosing GERD and other esophageal issues. Don’t let heartburn or swallowing problems keep you from your day-to-day activities, trust our team at NGPG for expert diagnosis and treatment.
Heartburn Esophageal Disorder Diagnosis
Our specialized team makes the most accurate diagnoses for our patients through a variety of testing and procedures. Some of the ways we diagnose esophageal problems include:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
EGD involves inserting an endoscope into the mouth to visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. EGD is used in the evaluation of diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum such as GERD, peptic ulcers, gastritis, tumors, bleeding and other conditions. It is performed while the patient is under intravenous sedation as an outpatient procedure and usually takes just a few minutes to complete.
Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry, also known as motility testing, is a pressure measuring test of the esophagus. This allows us to see if the esophageal muscles are squeezing properly and whether the valve mechanism is functioning. The manometry test involves the insertion of a small tube with pressure sensors into the throat that will measure the strength of your esophageal muscles.
pH Monitoring
We perform pH monitoring using a capsule and a small computer. Your provider will insert the capsule during an upper endoscopy and use it to record episodes of acid reflux on a tiny computer worn on your belt. This system will monitor and record episodes of heart burn and acid reflux, helping your provider make a diagnosis.
Upper GI/Barium Swallow
An upper GI, also known as a barium swallow is an x-ray of the esophagus and stomach. You will be asked to drink a barium solution that will help your provider visualize how liquid is being moved through your esophagus and stomach. Other abnormalities can be seen in barium studies as well, including hiatal hernias.
Upper Endoscopy
During an upper endoscopy, a small scope is inserted into the patient’s mouth and down the esophagus, enabling the physician to obtain biopsies, perform procedures and diagnose issues. This procedure is often used in combination with other diagnostic tests.
Gallbladder Testing
Because gallbladder issues can cause esophageal symptoms to occur, you may need a test of the gallbladder to make sure some of your symptoms are not caused by gallbladder disease.
Choose NGPG for Heartburn & Esophageal Disorder Diagnosis
At NGPG our surgeons utilize the most advanced monitoring techniques available for esophageal function testing and are leaders in making this testing available in North Georgia. Specializing in heart burn and swallowing, our team has decades of experience specifically with disorders of the esophagus.
If you or a loved one is experiencing heart burn or acid reflux that you suspect may be an esophageal disorder, you can rely on our team of heartburn and swallowing specialists for expert diagnosis and care.
