Discomfort and intolerance during 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate pain, discomfort, tolerance and complications during 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring.

Methods: A prospective observational study at an academic out-patient clinic including 55 patients undergoing 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring. Patient experience was measured using self-reported questionnaires at four time points: pre-insertion, post-insertion, before sleep and post-procedure. Anxiety, pain, discomfort, tolerance and other symptoms were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. After treatment, the decision regret scale survey was administered.

Results: Anxiety decreased after catheter insertion. Discomfort peaked immediately after insertion and declined over time, while intolerance remained relatively stable. Foreign body sensation showed the highest VAS score. The proportion of participants unwilling to undergo the examination again was high, but patients tended to have a positive perception of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring after treatment.

Conclusion: Although 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring has been reported to be uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate, most patients were satisfied with their decision to undergo the test.