Capsule Endoscopy (CE) is a procedure which involves examination of the gastrointestinal tract’s middle parts lining by your doctor. The middle part includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
How Is Capsule Endoscopy Done?
Your doctor will ask you to swallow a pill-sized video camera. This camera has its own light source and takes pictures of your small intestine as it passes through it.
Why Is Capsule Endoscopy Done?
Capsule Endoscopy helps your doctor in evaluating the small intestine.
Capsule endoscopy is performed to search for the cause or reason of bleeding from the small intestine.
It is extremely useful in detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and tumours of the small intestine.
Preparation For Capsule Endoscopy:
You should not eat or drink anything up to 12 hours before the procedure starts because of an empty stomach essential for safe and error-free examination.
You need to inform your doctor about any medications that you take. If you do take any medication you might need to adjust the usual dose prior to the examination.
You should inform your doctor about your previous medical history and the doctor might suggest, if necessary, to prepare the bowel by cleansing before the examination.
What Happens During Capsule Endoscopy?
Your doctor will prepare you for examination by attaching a sensor device to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves.
The pill-sized capsule endoscope is to be swallowed. It passes naturally with ease through the digestive tract during which it transmits video images to the recorder which is worn on your belt for approximately 8 hours.
After 8 hours the video recorder is removed and images which have been captured during the process inside your small bowel can be stored on the computer for the physician to review.
Most patients consider this procedure to be comfortable.
CAUTION: After ingestion of this device, you take precautions and should not be near an MRI device or schedule an MRI examination.
What Happens After Capsule Endoscopy?
You will be able to drink clear liquids only after 2 hours and eat a light meal only after 4 hours after ingesting the capsule.
You should avoid vigorous physical activities such as running or jumping.
Your doctor will generally be able to tell you the test results within the week following the procedure.
Complications:
The capsule may get stuck at a narrow spot in the digestive tract resulting in bowel obstruction.
Signs of obstruction include unusual bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.