Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule Endoscopy enables your doctor to examine your entire small intestine. Your doctor will have you ingest a small (the size of a large vitamin pill) video capsule that has its own camera and light source. You can move freely during the exam, which lasts about eight hours. While the video capsule travels through your digestive system, it sends images to a data recorder you will wear close to your waist. Afterwards your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.

What Can I Expect During the Capsule Endoscopy?

One of our nurses will be contacting you two days prior to your procedure to obtain your medical history and review your preparation instructions. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have at that time. You will be asked to sign a consent authorizing the procedure. You will be prepared for the Capsule Endoscopy by applying a sensor array to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves. The video capsule is swallowed with water and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder that you will wear close to your waist. You will be able to eat four hours after the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The examination is over approximately eight hours after the capsule was ingested.

What Happens After Your Capsule Endoscopy?

At the end of the procedure, you will return to the Center, where the data recorder and sensor array will be removed. The images acquired during your exam will then be downloaded to a computer for your doctor to review. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or be in the vicinity of an MRI machine.

How Will I Know The Results Of The Procedure?

After you return the equipment, your doctor will process the information from the data recorder and will view a color video of the pictures taken by the capsule. After the doctor has looked at this video, you will be contacted with the results.

How Will The Capsule Get Eliminated?

The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You should not feel any pain or discomfort. There is no need to retrieve the capsule.

Finally, expect a courtesy call from one of our nurses, the day following your procedure.