Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
What
is Capsule Endoscopy?
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,
Pepto Bismol (R), and other “over-the-counter” medications.
You might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination. Discuss
any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such
as 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 put on a computer
screen for physician review.
Most patients consider the test comfortable. The capsule endoscope
is about the size of a large pill. After ingesting the capsule and
until it is excreted, you should not be near a MRI device or schedule
a MRI examination.
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 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, trouble swallowing or increasing chest pain, tell
your doctor immediately. Be careful not to prematurely disconnect
the system as this may result in loss of image acquisition.
ASGE - The Source for Colonoscopy and Endoscopy
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
The preceding information is intended only to provide general
information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in
any particular case. It is very important that you consult your
doctor about your specific condition.
Copyright © 2004 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All rights reserved.
|