Capsule Endoscopy of the Small Intestine
Capsule endoscopy is an innovative way to explore the gastrointestinal tract. Not only is this procedure easier and less invasive than a traditional endoscopy, but it allows for evaluation of the entire small intestine located in the middle of the GI tract – an area not reached by either a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. The most common reason for a capsule endoscopy is to search for the cause of a patient’s bleeding. Gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, polyps, tumors, and Crohn’s disease can all occur in the small intestine.
How a Capsule Endoscopy of the Small Intestine Works
A capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny, pill-sized wireless camera with its own light source that takes pictures of the small intestine as it passes through. These images are transmitted to a small recording device you wear on your body for about 8 hours or until you notice the capsule pass with a bowel movement, whichever comes first. In some cases, it may take several days to naturally excrete the capsule.
Testing works best on an empty stomach, so doctors typically recommend patients have no food or water for 12 hours before swallowing the capsule.
Patients are free to resume their normal daily activities while testing is underway. Check with your doctor, but you should be able to drink clear liquids and even a light meal a few hours after ingesting the capsule. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the study.
FAQs: Capsule Endoscopy of the Small Intestine
Adults 18 years and older with gastrointestinal bleeding or unexplained abdominal pain may be good candidates for a capsule endoscopy. On the other hand, patients with obstructions or a narrowing (stricture) of the GI tract may not be good candidates for a capsule endoscopy. Check with your doctor about your symptoms and testing options to make sure a capsule endoscopy of the small intestine is right for you.
Depending on your health history, your health care provider may recommend a bowel prep prior to beginning a capsule endoscopy. This ensures your bowels are free from interfering as the capsule travels through your gastrointestinal tract, and that clear images of your digestive tract can be captured on video. Similar to a bowel prep prior to a colonoscopy, it involves swallowing a medication that causes diarrhea, which empties the colon.
The capsule endoscope is about the size of a large pill, approximately 26 mm x 11 mm.
No, the procedure should not hurt. Most people who have undergone a capsule endoscopy report the procedure being a comfortable experience.
Thousands of color images are recorded by the device. These are wirelessly transmitted to the recorder the patient wears, which data can be transferred to a computer where a video is created out of the images. Your doctor will review this video to observe the condition of your GI tract, looking for potential abnormalities or causes of your symptoms.
If the convenience of a capsule endoscopy of the small intestine sounds intriguing, call us to find out more. Our providers can help identify whether you a good candidate for the procedure. Call Oceana Gastroenterology Associates at (951) 934-0505 or use the appointment request form to schedule your consultation.