Cytosponge Test

[Mardri]

Hi, I have been offered this Cytosponge test or I can go straight to endoscopy. I have been having endoscopies every 1 to 2 years because of Barrets..

Has anyone had experience with the Cytosponge sponge test, is it more uncomfortable or better than endoscopy?

[Deeedals]

I was monitored for Barrett’s for 12 years and had the sponge and an endoscopy. As I recall they were just trialling the sponge at the time.

[Mardri in reply to Deeedals]

Thank you for replying. Which procedure did you find the more comfotable? I hope you are well now/

[adela1]

The sponge was by far the easiest and required no sedation. You just sit on a chair and are given a capsule to swallow with a glass of water that’s not unlike a vitamin pill or paracetamol. It has a string attached. Just think like you’re taking a pill! After about 10 mins of relaxing on your chair it is gently taken up by the nurse and that’s all there is to it. It collects millions of cells which are sent off for checking. If anything is picked up, then you’d have a regular endoscopy so the doctor can have a look.

[Mardri in reply to adela1]

Thank you so much for your reply. I feel more reassured that I will go with the sponge procedure, I hope you are doing well. Best wishes.

[adela1]

I hope it goes well!

[Mardri in reply to adela1]

Thank you