Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common digestive conditions, often causing persistent heartburn, regurgitation, cough or throat discomfort. When typical symptoms persist, or standard tests do not reveal the full picture, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring is the gold standard for objectively documenting the disease.
We record not only acid reflux but, thanks to impedance technology, non-acid (or weakly acid) reflux too, which often goes undetected by simpler methods.
When it is recommended
- Resistant reflux: When symptoms persist or recur despite consistent medication (such as proton pump inhibitors).
- Atypical symptoms: Investigating chronic, unexplained cough, hoarseness, chest pain of non-cardiac origin, or inflammation of the throat and larynx.
- Pre-operative assessment: Before a final surgical decision (e.g. fundoplication), to confirm the presence and severity of reflux.
- Assessing treatment response: Checking the effectiveness of previous treatment.
How the procedure is carried out
- Placing the catheter: An extremely thin, soft catheter is placed painlessly through the nose and reaches the oesophagus.
- 24-hour recording during your daily life: You are connected to a small, portable recording device and return to your normal activities, logging meals, symptoms and bedtime using dedicated buttons.
- Removal & data analysis: The following day, the catheter is easily removed within seconds, and the data is fully analysed on a specialised system.
You may be asked to temporarily stop certain stomach medications before the test, depending on what is being investigated. You will receive detailed, personalised preparation instructions — see the Patient Info page.
How to access this service (GESY & private)
- GESY beneficiaries: The examination is provided as usual to beneficiaries of the General Healthcare System.
- Private care: This specialised diagnostic service is also offered privately for non-GESY beneficiaries, overseas residents, or patients who want immediate scheduling.