Instruments for oesophageal examination – fibre-optic instruments (various endoscopes) and thin pressure-, pH- or impedance- (resistance-) measuring devices are used for the instrumental examination of the oesophagus.
These have to be swallowed by the patient, which is more unpleasant than painful. However, with close cooperation with the doctor and the specialist nurse and a little self-discipline, it does not put too much strain on patients.
Radiological oesophageal examinations are painless procedures in themselves, and usually require swallowing a contrast agent.
