GORD - OGD, Bravo, EndoFLIP (GOBE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The correlation between gastro-oesophageal junction distensibility and prolonged pH monitoring in a cohort of patients referred with suspected gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
IRAS ID
304275
Contact name
Rosie Jacobs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition whereby stomach acid passes back into the oesophagus (gullet), causing symptoms including heartburn, sore throat, and chest pain. Untreated, GORD can reduce quality of life and cause irritation/inflammation in the oesophagus, scarring/strictures and oesophageal cancer. Gastroscopy is a test routinely performed whereby a thin camera is placed via the mouth to examine the appearances of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine. Patients that are not responding to medicines for GORD may undergo further tests to confirm the diagnosis, by monitoring the acidity levels in the oesophagus (ambulatory pH monitoring) and check the strength of the muscles in the oesophagus (motility).
EndoFLIP is a thin probe with an inflatable balloon that is placed in the mouth at the time of endoscopy to allow for a quick assessment of motility. Studies (Lee 2021) have shown that the distensibility (stretch) of the lower oesophagus is increased in GORD and may be important feature for its diagnosis. Bravo is a small capsule that is left in the lower oesophagus during gastroscopy that monitors acidity levels for 96hrs, after which it detaches and passes safely out with the bowel motion, allowing for a long assessment of how acidity levels match with symptoms.
In our study we will invite adults who have been referred for gastroscopy with symptoms of GORD to additionally undergo EndoFLIP and Bravo in the same appointment. These tests are safe and by performing these them together we will increase the appointment by only a few minutes but in doing so provide a comprehensive assessment of physiology. We will learn more about how parameters from EndoFLIP to relate to the diagnosis of GORD, but more importantly, this will lead to earlier diagnosis of GORD, motility disorders, and provide better informed treatment for our patients.
REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0353
Date of REC Opinion
25 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion