SMALL BOWEL CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

What Is Capsule Endoscopy?

Small bowel capsule endoscopy  is a procedure that involves swallowing a large vitamin pill sized video capsule containing a miniature camera, light source, and battery which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of your small intestine.  Images are continuously transmitted over eight hours via an array of sensors which are placed on the abdomen and stored in a recording device worn on a belt around the waist.  After eight hours the sensors and recording device are disconnected at your gastroenterologist’s office.  Data images are then read and interpreted by a physician.  The small bowel capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement.  In the rare case that it is not excreted naturally, it will need to be removed endoscopically or surgically. 

Why Is Capsule Endoscopy Performed?

Small bowel capsule endoscopy is used most often to find bleeding in portions of the small intestine that are hard to reach with a conventional endoscope.  It can also be used to help identify suspected Crohns disease or other small bowel abnormalities.

How Do I Prepare For Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy?

An empty stomach and clear gastrointestinal tract is needed in order to get the best visualization and most accurate information from this examination.  For that reason, follow carefully the instructions given to you for this procedure. 

Link to Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Consent Form