OVERVIEW

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that makes use of a wireless camera in a capsule.

This type of endoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to get a live look at your small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), which is the middle portion of the digestive tract. Video images of your gastrointestinal tract are recorded on an external device which can be viewed to detect and help diagnose or assess gastrointestinal conditions such as:

• Crohn's disease
• Ulcers, polyps and tumors of the small intestine
• Sources of bleeding from the small intestine
• Celiac disease

How does a Capsule Endoscopy Work?

A capsule endoscopy consists of a tiny wireless camera that's put into a capsule that the patient swallows. Prior to your exam, your doctor may have you drink some laxatives to clean out your digestive system in order to get higher-quality pictures.

The camera takes thousands of pictures as it makes its way down your digestive tract—the camera will take pictures for approximately eight hours, during which a recording device is worn on your waist records and stores the pictures.

Once complete, the capsule exits your body in your stool. Your doctor will then evaluate the pictures—which are combined together to form a video—and look for evidence of gastrointestinal disease.

Capsule Endoscopies are Safe When Performed by a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist

While capsule endoscopies are safe for most patients, they should be avoided if:

• You have a small intestine obstruction
• Your Crohn's disease has caused a narrowing in the small intestine
• You have a pacemaker or defibrillator

Complications of capsule endoscopy are rare but include the capsule getting stuck in a narrow portion of the digestive tract. This is typically caused by inflammation, scarring from prior surgery, or a tumor. If you have abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or fever after capsule endoscopy, let your doctor know immediately.