What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves swallowing a pill-sized camera. The tiny, wireless camera in the capsule records images of your gastrointestinal tract as it travels through your body. The camera sends the images to a special recorder that you wear on a belt.

The capsule travels through your body naturally, and you pass it in your stool. You don’t need to retrieve the capsule afterward as all the data is on the recorder. Richmond Gastroenterology Associates uses two cutting-edge products for capsule endoscopies; the PillCam™ SB 3 system and the CapsoCam Plus® video capsule system.

Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure for the vast majority of patients, and more than 1.5 million people have successfully used PillCam SB. With capsule endoscopy, you can avoid sedation and invasive exploratory surgery. There’s no pain and no recovery period. Most people don’t even need to take a day off work.

Why might I need a capsule endoscopy?

Your gastroenterologist might recommend a capsule endoscopy if you’re experiencing symptoms of a problem with your small intestine.

Capsule endoscopy can identify the cause of unexplained abdominal pain or bleeding in your small intestine. It helps diagnose conditions like iron deficiency, tumors, and Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD).

Capsule endoscopy can also detect damage caused by NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) use and inflammation deep in your gut.

What does a capsule endoscopy involve?

The Richmond Gastroenterology Associates team provides instructions on what you should eat before your capsule endoscopy. You go to the office on the morning of your procedure so your provider can fit the sensor belt and data recorder, then swallow the pill.

The capsule is easy to swallow, so you won’t need any sedation. After taking it, you can resume your usual daily activities, but avoid anything too strenuous. You can drink two hours after swallowing the capsule and have a light meal four hours afterward.

When the capsule has had a chance to travel along your digestive tract, you return the sensor belt to Richmond Gastroenterology Associates. Your provider downloads the images from the recorder to a computer for analysis. The capsule endoscopy procedure typically takes eight hours, and you’ll pass the capsule 1-3 days after swallowing it.

To find out more about capsule endoscopy and its benefits, call Richmond Gastroenterology Associates today or book an appointment online.