What is the best investigation 24 hours before surgery for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) case?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 19, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The best investigation 24 hours before surgery for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) case is MII-pH monitoring over 24h, as it is the best available tool for the diagnosis of GERD, according to the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • MII-pH monitoring is recommended as the best available tool for diagnosing GERD, especially before surgery, as it provides a comprehensive assessment of acid reflux and its correlation with symptoms 1.
  • Endoscopy should also be performed to rule out GERD complications, such as esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett's esophagus, and to assess the severity of reflux-related damage 1.
  • Other tests, such as manometry, gastro-oesophageal scintigraphy, and EndoFlip, may be useful prior to considering surgery, but there is currently limited evidence about their role 1.
  • The diagnosis of GERD is based on the clinical context and the overall results of performed studies, and a correct diagnosis is mandatory before intensifying medical therapy or planning surgery 1.

Investigation Details

  • MII-pH monitoring over 24h is a crucial investigation for diagnosing GERD, as it measures the frequency and duration of acid reflux episodes and their correlation with symptoms.
  • Endoscopy is also essential for assessing the severity of reflux-related damage and identifying complications, and it provides valuable information for surgical planning.
  • The choice of investigation should be based on the individual patient's needs and the clinical context, and the results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms and medical history.

From the Research

Best Investigation for GORD Case 24 Hours Before Surgery

The best investigation 24 hours before surgery for a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) case is a topic of interest in the medical field.

  • The investigation should accurately diagnose GORD and assess its severity.
  • It should also help in selecting patients for antireflux surgery.

Options for Investigation

The options for investigation are:

  • pH Monitoring
  • Endoscopy
  • Manometry

Evidence from Studies

Studies have shown that:

  • pH monitoring is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic investigation for GORD 2.
  • Esophageal function tests, including pH monitoring and manometry, are important in diagnosing GORD accurately 3.
  • Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) provides useful information for objective selection of patients for antireflux surgery 4.
  • Ambulatory 24-h pH monitoring should be routinely performed in the preoperative work-up of patients suspected of having GORD to avoid unnecessary antireflux surgery 5.

Recommendation

Based on the evidence, the best investigation 24 hours before surgery for a GORD case is:

  • pH Monitoring, specifically ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, as it is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic investigation for GORD 3, 5, 2.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring: why, when, and what to do.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 2003

Research

Prospective assessment of patient selection for antireflux surgery by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring.

Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 2008

Research

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and antireflux surgery-what is the proper preoperative work-up?

Journal of gastrointestinal surgery : official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 2013

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.