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Having bravo pH study

What is a Bravo capsule?

The Bravo capsule is the latest form of technology to help diagnose gastroesophgeal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophgeal reflux is a common disorder where the contents of the stomach flow back up the food pipe, causing frequent feelings of pain and discomfort in the middle of the chest.

How does the Bravo system work?

The Bravo consists of a small capsule which is attached to the lining of the oesophagus (food pipe) by a doctor in theatre whilst you are asleep under general anaesthetic. The capsule detects the pH in the food pipe and transmits this information to the receiver box. This box must be kept nearby (no more than 1 meter away) to ensure the transmitted data is collected. Usually the Bravo study will last for 24 hours but in occasionally your doctor may have asked for a 48 hours study.

Before the procedure

If you are taking any reflux medications these may need to be stopped several days before the study. If you are unsure whether or not your medications need to be stopped before the procedure please contact the gastro nurses at least 2 weeks before your theatre date to discuss this. When you are given your theatre date the waiting list team will provide you with information about what time you need to stop eating and drinking in preparation for theatre.

Are there any precautions that I should be aware of after the test is complete?

It is important that you do not have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan for 30 days after the procedure. If you require further information, you can contact the gastroenterology nurses who can give you advice.

After the procedure

You should continue to eat and drink as normally as possible during the bravo pH study.

You will need to bring the recording box back to the ward 24 hours after theatre (or 48 hours later if the doctor has asked for you to have a 48 hour pH study). The information from the box will be downloaded and the results will be given to you at your next outpatient appointment.

The recording device should be returned in person and is not to be sent in the post. We have a limited number of recording boxes and it is therefore important that you equipment is returned promptly ready for the next patient to use.

What happens after the Bravo study?

After a few days the Bravo capsule will simply detach itself from your food pipe through the natural action of swallowing, eating and drinking. The capsule will pass through the gut and pass in your stool (poo) and can be flushed away. If you are concerned that you have not passed the capsule in your stool please contact the gastro nurses.

It is important that you look after our equipment and return it to the hospital 24 hours (unless you have been told that you are having a 48 hours study) after the study has started. Any damage incurred or a delay in returning equipment will directly affect other children, as they may have to have their procedure cancelled or postponed whilst we have the box repaired or wait for it to be returned.

Contact us

If you need any help or advice with the information in this resource, you can contact the gastroenterology nurses by telephoning 0114 271 7111 or 0114 271 7162 or by emailing: scn-tr.gastronurses@nhs.net

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Disclaimer

Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.

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NHS

Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TH

United Kingdom

Switchboard: 0114 271 7000

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