What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy is an endoscopic procedure where a pill/capsule (which has a camera and a battery in it) is ingested by the patient and takes many images of the small intestine or bowel. An estimated 60,000 pictures are collected, which, when put together, essentially make a “movie” of the patient’s small bowel.
At Adult Gastroenterology Associates, a capsule endoscopy procedure is typically used to diagnose the cause of unexplained anemia or bleeding. It evaluates the small intestine to extensively assess an abnormal x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Connect with our GI providers in Tulsa, OK to discuss scheduling a capsule endoscopy by requesting a consultation today.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
Your GI provider will provide you with all the details and instructions you will need to prepare for your upcoming capsule endoscopy. In most cases, you will be advised to maintain your normal diet prior to the exam. You will likely be instructed to refrain from consuming anything after 7:00 p.m. the night before your capsule endoscopy. It is essential to follow the instructions provided to you by your specialist. In the majority of cases, your medications will be resumed a few hours after ingesting the capsule. If you are diabetic or are taking blood thinners (i.e. warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories), additional instructions will likely be administered.
What should I expect on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be instructed to arrive at the endoscopy office 30 minutes prior to your appointment. This is to allow time to complete paperwork and prepare for the capsule endoscopy procedure. You will be asked to place a vest on which will hold the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. When the vest is on, the capsule will be activated and then you will be asked to swallow it.
After ingesting the capsule, you will be allowed to leave the endoscopy office. You will wear the vest for the next eight hours. You can drink clear liquids two hours after your exam and can have a normal meal after four hours. After eight hours, you will return to the endoscopy office and the vest will be removed. To learn more about undergoing a capsule endoscopy in Tulsa, OK, please request a consultation with one of our gastrointestinal providers today.
When will I get my results from my capsule endoscopy?
After the exam is finished, the images taken by the capsule will be downloaded to a program that generates a “movie” of your small bowel. It could take the specialist several hours to carefully review these pictures. Results are generally available within a week. You will be contacted by your specialist’s office when your capsule endoscopy results are ready.
Are there any risks associated with a capsule endoscopy?
The capsule endoscopy is an extremely safe process. Statistically, complications develop in less than 1% of patients and these complications are not life-threatening. However, should a complication occur, it could require a hospital stay and a surgical procedure. Prior to the exam, the Adult Gastroenterology Associates nursing staff will review a consent form with you.
One potential risk is that the capsule could get caught in the intestinal tract, causing a blockage. This would typically lead to surgery and hospitalization.
It is important to call your provider’s office immediately if symptoms arise after the capsule endoscopy, like increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Just like any other procedure, a capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that conditions, such as malignancies, could go undetected. It is important to continue to follow up with your provider as directed and inform them of any persistent or new symptoms.
What are the alternatives to a capsule endoscopy?
The alternate options available will depend on why you need a capsule endoscopy in the first place. In most cases, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the best option to evaluate issues in the small intestine. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through could also be used to survey the small intestine. An enteroscopy procedure is another alternative used to assess the upper portion of the small intestine and could also be used for treatment.
