A Short-Term Radiotelemetric Provocation Test for the Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) most commonly occurs postprandially especially during activities associated with increases in intra-abdominal pressure which may provoke reflux in susceptible subjects. Inflation of a gastric balloon, in increments up to 750 ml, significantly increases the frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) relaxations in both normal subjects and patients with GOR [1]. These authors conclude that meal-induced gastric distension provokes LOS relaxations so contributing to postprandial reflux. We have developed a short-term acid reflux provocation test (ARPT) for diagnostic purposes.