Reflux, regurgitation, and heartburn are all common symptoms in both the general population and in patients who have previously undergone weight loss procedures. These symptoms can be painful and result in significant discomfort. For patients who experience reflux symptoms, it is important to complete the right investigations, such that treatment can be tailored to the underlying cause.

For patients who experience reflux symptoms, the investigations usually include a gastroscopy, pH studies, radiology studies, and Oesophageal studies. Not all investigations are required for every patient, however, each test looks for different causes of reflux or alternatively may help in the planning of your treatment. A gastroscopy looks inside your stomach, looking for evidence of reflux disease and if present, how severe the disease is. Barium swallows, Oesophageal studies, and pH studies may help confirm and plan the appropriate treatment.

There are several treatment options available for patients suffering from reflux disease, these include both surgical and non-surgical options. Like other areas of medicine, new and emerging technology has allowed for many of these tests to be less intrusive and more comfortable to complete.