Deb,
Esophageal Acid Testing - This testing is called “gold standard” for diagnosing GERD. The quantity of acid
in an individual suffering from GERD is compared to a normal person's level of
acid. The Esophagus contains acid most of the time in patients of GERD; this can
be determined by a test called the 24-hour esophageal ph test. A small tube
called a catheter, with an acid sensor at its tip, is inserted through the nose
and positioned in the esophagus. The other end travels down to the waist after
exiting from the nose and then attaching to a recorder. The recorder records
every reflux episode in the esophagus and a 24 hour frame of data is
analyzed.
You might want to ask the surgeons why they do not feel you need any other testing ?
I agree with Denise re the manometry testing - Motility testing of the esophagus determines the working of muscles of the
esophagus by passing a catheter through a nostril down the throat into the
esophagus. The catheter contains a sensor to detect pressure inside the
esophagus and the other end is attached to a recorder. The patient is then
permitted to swallow sips of water to record and evaluate the esophageal
contraction movements. Motility disorders can be rectified sometimes through a
surgery.
Good luck,
Kitt