A capsule endoscopy, also known as capsule enteroscopy, is a procedure that uses a pill-sized wireless camera to visually examine the inside lining of the three portions of the small intestine, which includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The camera will take a series of photographs as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. These photographs are sent wirelessly to a small recording device that is worn on the body. The photographs are then downloaded to a computer about 24 hours after the procedure. The capsule will then be passed through the digestive tract by the patient.
While portions of the intestine can be seen during a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy procedure, these procedures are unable to provide a complete view of the small intestine. The capsule endoscopy is able to provide a view of the small intestine and is helpful in detecting some of the following conditions:
- Intestinal bleeding
- Polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Tumor
- Celiac disease
While this procedure can provide a more accurate and detailed result than an X-ray, a capsule endoscopy is unable to perform therapy in the area of concern. A capsule endoscopy is a rapidly improving technology that is making conditions of the small intestine much easier to diagnose.
What to wear for a Capsule Endoscopy?
For capsule endoscopy, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that won't hinder the capsule's swallowing or its journey through your digestive system. Avoid clothes with metal zippers, buttons, or clasps to prevent any interference with the capsule's or recorder's signals.
How long does Capsule Endoscopy take?
A capsule endoscopy typically lasts about 8 hours. During this time, you'll swallow a small, pill-sized capsule with a camera inside. The camera will travel through your digestive system, taking pictures of your small intestine. You can usually go about your daily activities while the capsule is doing its job. Afterward, healthcare professionals will download and review the images to check the condition of your digestive tract.
How does Capsule Endoscopy work?
Capsule endoscopy requires you to swallow a tiny capsule equipped with a camera, light, battery, and transmitter to capture images inside your digestive tract. As the capsule moves through the digestive tract, it captures high-quality images of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and other parts of the gastrointestinal system.
Patients wear a data recorder or sensor belt around the waist. Once the procedure is complete, images are downloaded from the recorder and reviewed by a healthcare professional. Capsule endoscopy offers a non-invasive way to examine parts of the digestive tract that traditional endoscopy procedures can't easily reach.
