Capsule Endoscopy Specialist

What is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy services offer a new approach to the old-school endoscopy. With this treatment option, you swallow a pill that contains a lens and light source. It records video as it travels through your digestive tract.

Why is that Video Helpful?

With the capsule endoscope, the doctors can examine you internally without a more invasive procedure. As the pill travels through your body, it shows the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, which is difficult to assess. The pill works its way through the:

• Duodenum
• Jejunum
• Ileum

The doctor is able to look for anomalies as the pill progresses toward the colon.

Why is a Capsule Endoscopy Necessary?

The capsule procedure gives the doctor a view of a part of the intestinal tract that cannot be seen any other way. This helps locate bleeding, polyps, ulcers and tumors in the small intestine. It aids in making a diagnosis of certain medical conditions, as well, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

What Happens During the Test?

Prior to the test, the staff will ask you to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 12 hours. When you get to the office, they will apply a sensor to your abdomen and then give the capsule camera to swallow. The capsule will pass through your digestive tract, sending video as it travels.

Once the procedure starts, follow the instruction on eating and drinking. For example, it might be possible to have a light meal after about four hours. It is possible you can drink water in just two hours, but the doctor will give you guidelines to follow.

You wear a belt that receives the video transfer for the next eight hours. Be sure to keep it on, so all the images record.  At the competition of the endoscopic procedure, the data is transferred to a computer, so the doctor can review it.