What Is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy, also known as video capsule endoscopy or wireless capsule endoscopy, uses a tiny wireless camera placed in a pill-sized capsule to take pictures of your GI tract. When you swallow the capsule, the camera begins to move through your GI tract and takes several pictures, which are then transferred to a recording device around your waist.
Though capsule endoscopy can help visualize several GI tract parts, it is specifically used to view the small intestine, which is difficult to access with conventional endoscopy techniques.
Why is it done?
Capsule endoscopy At Triborough GI is performed to detect:
- The cause of GI bleeding
- Polyps or tumors in the GI tract
- Barrett’s esophagus and enlarged veins in the esophagus
- GI conditions, including celiac disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn’s disease
- Abdominal pain with no specific cause
- The presence of a large tumor or polyp
- An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- A previous injury or surgery that causes a narrowing in your GI tract
- Patency Capsule – This capsule will either pass during a bowel movement or dissolve in your GI tract
- Corticosteroids – These drugs help reduce your GI tract inflammation
- Imaging – An MRI or CT scan can detect a narrowing in the GI tract
- Are pregnant
- Have implanted devices like defibrillators and pacemakers
- Have swallowing disorders
- Follow a liquid diet a day before your procedure
- Avoid medications that may interfere with the camera
- Take a laxative solution to clear your GI tract
- Avoid eating or drinking before 10 to 12 hours of your procedure
- Procedure Review Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you to let you know what you can expect.
- Device Setup You’ll have to briefly remove your shirt, and electrode patches will be placed on your chest and abdomen, which will be connected to a recording device placed on your waist.
- Capsule Swallowing You will be asked to swallow the capsule with some water.
- Continuing Daily Activities Once you have swallowed the capsule, you can continue your routine activities for the next 8 hours, as long as you avoid strenuous activities. Also, make sure to wait for 2 hours before drinking beverages and 4 hours before having small snacks.