Capsule Endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle
part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions
of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). Your doctor will use
a pill sized video capsule called an endoscope, which has its own lens
and light source and will view the images on a video monitor. You might
hear your doctor or other medical staff refer to capsule endoscopy as
small bowel endoscopy, capsule enteroscopy, or wireless endoscopy.
Why is Capsule Endoscopy Done?
Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate the small intestine. This
part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or
by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is
to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also
be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s
disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.
As is the case with most new diagnostic procedures, not all insurance
companies are currently reimbursing for this procedure. You may need to
check with your own insurance company to ensure that this is a covered
benefit.
How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?
An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination, so you
should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately
twelve hours before the examination. Your doctor will tell you when to
start fasting.
Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take including
iron, aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate products and other
“over-the-counter” medications. You might need to adjust your usual
dose prior to the examination.
Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as swallowing disorders and heart or lung disease.
Tell your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker, previous abdominal
surgery, or previous history of obstructions in the bowel, inflammatory
bowel disease, or adhesions.
What Can I Expect During Capsule Endoscopy?
Your doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor
device to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape). The
capsule endoscope is swallowed and passes naturally through your
digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn
on your belt for approximately eight hours. At the end of the procedure
you will return to the office and the data recorder is removed so that
images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for
physician review.
What Happens After Capsule Endoscopy?
You will be able to drink clear liquids after two hours and eat a light
meal after four hours following the capsule ingestion, unless your
doctor instructs you otherwise. You will have to avoid vigorous
physical activity such as running or jumping during the study. Your
doctor generally can tell you the test results within the week
following the procedure; however, the results of some tests might take
longer.
What are the Possible Complications of Capsule Endoscopy?
Although complications can occur, they are rare when doctors who are
specially trained and experienced in this procedure, such as members of
the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, perform the test.
Potential risks include complications from obstruction. This usually
relates to a stricture (narrowing) of the intestine from inflammation,
prior surgery, or tumor. It’s important to recognize early signs of
possible complications. If you have evidence of obstruction, such as
unusual bloating, pain, and/or vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Also, if you develop a fever after the test, have trouble swallowing or
experience increasing chest pain, tell your doctor immediately. Be
careful not to prematurely disconnect the system as this may result in
loss of image acquisition.
Reprinted from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
Capsule Endoscopy
