Abstract
A tetra-probe 24-hour pH monitoring was performed on 10 cases suspected of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, and the advantages of this procedure were examined. The proximal probe was placed in the hypopharynx (just above the upper esophageal sphincter), a second in the middle esophagus, a third a few centimeters above the lower esophageal sphincter, and a distal sensor in the stomach.
The pH at the four sensors could be monitored simultaneously, and consequently the gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux could be easily examined. The pH-metry revealed a pattern of reflux, so the relationship between the four sensor locations could be well documented on the pH tracing, A tetra-probe 24-hour pH monitoring has become one of the most reliable functional examinations for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Generally pH-metry is considered the gold standard for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, whereas there is no consensus with respect to the number of pH sensors, their location, or the interpretation of results from them.
