McPherson Center for Health is expanding access to advanced digestive care with the addition of the Endoflip 300 and Bravo pH Monitoring System, two technologies now available locally thanks to support from the McPherson Health Care Foundation and generous community donors.
These systems are often used together to give providers a more complete picture of digestive concerns, helping determine whether a patient’s symptoms may be related to reflux, swallowing disorders, or other conditions, and allowing treatment to be tailored to each individual. Both can be performed during a routine upper endoscopy, adding just 15 to 30 minutes to the procedure.
The Endoflip system helps providers evaluate how the esophagus functions and how well it stretches and opens, both important parts of swallowing. The Bravo system measures acid exposure in the esophagus over time, helping evaluate symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, chronic cough, and reflux. Together, they provide a more comprehensive look at common stomach and esophageal conditions without patients needing to leave the community for testing.
“The Endoflip technology allows us to evaluate the function and distensibility of the esophagus, both of which are important aspects of swallowing,” said Dr. Clayton Fetsch, MD, FACS. “The results can affect management of a number of conditions and help us tailor treatment to best serve each individual patient. When paired with Bravo pH monitoring, we can get a much fuller picture of what may be causing a patient’s symptoms and how to help them.”
These technologies also offer a more comfortable alternative to traditional testing methods, which can involve patients being awake during swallowing studies or wearing a nasal catheter home for reflux monitoring. Endoflip provides immediate information during a procedure, while the Bravo study gathers reflux data over 96 hours through a small wireless sensor. Access to Endoflip previously often required travel as far as Kansas City, making this technology a significant advancement for patients in our region.
“With Endoflip, we know immediately how the esophagus is moving, and with the Bravo study we gather additional information over several days about acid reflux,” said Dr. Brandon Stringer, MD, FACS. “Together, those results give us a comprehensive view of the issues a patient is facing and how we can best treat them.”
“Bringing this technology to McPherson means patients can receive advanced testing and stay connected to care right here in their community,” said Lynette Dyer, RN, Director of Surgical Services. “That is a win for our patients and for rural healthcare.”
The addition of Endoflip and Bravo technology reflects McPherson Center for Health’s continued commitment to expanding specialty services and bringing advanced care closer to home.
For more information about digestive health and surgical services, visit mcphersoncenterforhealth.org or call 620-241-2250.