What Is Capsule Endoscopy?
What Is Capsule Endoscopy?
This procedure allows us to see the inner surfaces of your gastrointestinal tract. The capsule has 1 or 2 cameras depending on the type we use and is much different from conventional tube endoscopy. Size of the capsule is almost as large as an antibiotic capsule. You simply swallow the capsule with a cup of water and the camera takes serial pictures of your digestive system as it moves down your esophagus, into your stomach, and through your small intestine.
What is the advantage of Capsule Endoscopy and Why Is It Used?
Traditional gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures give us the ability to examine the upper (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and lower portions (large bowel) of your gastrointestinal tract, but seeing the small intestine located in the between those 2 areas is not possible with other means mentioned above. Capsule endoscopy shows us this part of body which is important to identify the source of gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia, detect bowel inflammation from Crohn’s disease, find tumors and see ulcers. People who may have celiac disease can also benefit from this type of endoscopy. The procedure itself is not invasive and yo do need any anesthesia. Furthermore, after swallowing the capsule in doctor’s Office, you may go back to your daily routine. You will not feel any unusual sensations during the test.Depending the type of capsule endoscopy recommended by your doctor, you may need to wear a monitoring device or you may be required to bring the capsule expelled from your anus using a special collection kit without touching it.
How to Prepare for Capsule Endoscopy?
For better visualization of your bowels, you will require to drink a bowel cleanser that will be prescribed by your doctor. Please make sure to inform your doctor about all the medications you use and whether you have a cardiac pacemaker or not.
Diet you should follow after swallowing the capsule will be instructed by your doctor. Please avoid strenuous activity during the 8 hours following the ingestion of the capsule.
Capsule Endoscopy Limitations /Complications
If there is narrowed areas in the bowel, the capsule mey get trapped. An X-ray and surgery may be needed. Technical problems related to battery life may issue. Nevertheless, this feature may sometimes be used intentially to identify the narrowed segment of the bowel so that a limited surgery could be accomplished. According to your doctor’s plan you may required you to other imaging tests prior to capsule endoscopy.