A small bowel capsule endoscopy allows direct examination of the entire digestive tract through the use of a video capsule that contains a miniature video camera with a light and transmitter. A painless examination, this procedure allows your gastroenterologist to view your small intestine, a part of your body that can be difficult to see otherwise.
The term endoscopy refers to a special technique for looking inside and assessing the digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy is an innovative procedure that requires the patient to swallow a vitamin-size capsule containing the miniature video camera. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract it sends multiple images per second to a recording device that is worn around the patient’s waist. The capsule will move through your entire system and can be eliminated through normal bowel movement. It is important to note that each capsule is designed for a single use, and it will not harm the environment or cause any damage to your household plumbing system.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Uses
Your Arlington gastroenterologist uses the images transmitted by the camera inside the capsule to diagnose and look for numerous conditions, such as:
- Polyps
- Diarrhea
- Anemia and bleeding
- Proper bowel function
- Malabsorption
- Abdominal pain
- Tumors and some forms of cancer
- Celiac spue
- Crohn’s disease
As mentioned above, it can be quite difficult for your doctor to see inside your small intestine,which is why this procedure is so important and groundbreaking. Your small intestine is located between your stomach and your colon, making it near-impossible to reach with a conventional endoscopy. Your gastroenterologist may also use capsule endoscopy to assess the progress of a treatment plan for any of the above listed conditions.
Preparing for the Test
Before the procedure is performed it is important for you to follow these steps and any others recommended by your Arlington, Texas gastroenterologist:
- Provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications you are taking as well as
any allergies you have - Do no eat or drink within 10 hours of the proce
dure You may be required to shave the area around the navel - Do not take any medications in the two hours
before your procedure
