Capsule Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract. The camera sits inside a vitamin-sized capsule that you swallow.
Purpose of the Procedure
Capsule endoscopy helps doctors see inside your small intestine — an area that isn't easily reached with more traditional endoscopy procedures. It's used to diagnose digestive disorders and investigate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or anemia.
Procedure
- The patient fasts for about 12 hours before the procedure.
- The patient swallows the capsule with water.
- The capsule travels through the digestive tract, taking thousands of pictures.
- The patient wears a recorder on a belt to receive and store the images.
- The capsule passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within 24-48 hours.
Note: The patient can go about their normal activities during the procedure.
Benefits
- Non-invasive method to visualize the small intestine
- No sedation required
- Allows patients to continue daily activities during the procedure
- Can reach areas of the small intestine that traditional endoscopy can't