Colonic mucosal pH in humans.

Mucosal pH was measured at specific anatomic segments within the colon using a flexible pH probe in patients prepared for colonoscopy. The data revealed similar pH measurements along the length of the colon, irrespective of the presence or absence of colorectal neoplasia. Patients exhibited a relatively acidic right colon; a more alkaline transverse, left, and sigmoid colon; and a relatively acidic rectum. There were no apparent gender- or age-related effects on colonic mucosal pH.