 Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
 What is a capsule endoscopy?
Why is capsule endoscopy performed?
How should I prepare for the procedure?
What can I expect during capsule endoscopy?
What happens after capsule endoscopy?
How will I know the results of the capsule endoscopy?
How does the capsule get eliminated and will I feel it come out?
What are the possible complications of capsule endoscopy?
What is a Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule Endoscopy enables your doctor to examine the three portions (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) of your small intestine. Your doctor will use a vitamin-pill sized video capsule as an endoscope, which has its own camera and light source. While the video capsule travels through your body, images are sent to a data recorder you will wear on a waist belt. Most patients consider the test comfortable. Afterwards, your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.
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Why is Capsule Endoscopy Performed?
Capsule Endoscopy helps your doctor determine the cause for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia, in most cases where other diagnostic procedures failed to determine the reason for your symptoms. In certain chronic gastrointestinal diseases, the method can help to evaluate the extent to which your small intestine is involved or to monitor the effect of therapeutics. Your doctor might use Capsule Endoscopy to obtain motility data such as gastric or small bowel passage time.
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How should I Prepare for the Procedure?
You will receive preparation instructions the day before the examination. An empty stomach allows optimal viewing conditions, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately ten hours before the examination. Your doctor will tell you when to start fasting. Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take; you might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination. Tell your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker, previous abdominal surgery, swallowing problem or previous history of obstructions in the bowel.
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What can I Expect During Capsule Endoscopy?
Your doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor array to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves. The capsule endoscope is ingested and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on a belt for approximately eight hours. You will be able to eat after four hours following the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
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What happens After Capsule Endoscopy?
At the end of the procedure, you will need to return to the office to return the data recorder and sensor array. The images acquired during your exam will be downloaded to a workstation for physician review. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or be near an MRI device.
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How Will I Know the Results of the Capsule Endoscopy?
After you return the equipment (waist belt, data recorder, battery pack & sensor array), your doctor will process the information from the data recorder and will view a color video of the pictures taken from the capsule. After the doctor has looked at this video, you will be contacted with the results.
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How Does the Capsule Get Eliminated And Will I Feel it Come Out?
The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You should not feel any pain or discomfort during capsule excretion.
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What are the Possible Complications of Capsule Endoscopy?
Although complications may occur, they are rare when doctors who are specially trained and experienced in this procedure perform the test. A potential risk could be retention of the capsule. It is important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing, incresing chest of abdominal pain, tell your doctor immediately.
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