A capsule endoscopy helps your doctor view the middle part of your GI tract, which is traditionally difficult to examine.
Your small intestine can be a difficult organ to examine closely. Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor get a view of the small intestine using a small, pill-sized video camera.
Capsule endoscopy, also called capsule enteroscopy or wireless capsule endoscopy, gives your doctor a view of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). This part of your GI tract is difficult to examine with other types of endoscopies.
Capsule endoscopy is most commonly done to search for a cause of small intestine bleeding. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers and small intestine tumors.
What You Can Expect During a Capsule Endoscopy
These pictures are sent to a small recording device you will wear on your body. Once the camera passes through your body, your doctor will review the pictures and meet with you to discuss the results.
Your doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor device to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape) and then give you a pill-sized video camera to swallow. This camera has its own light source and takes pictures of your small intestine as it 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 images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for physician review.
From common gastrointestinal symptoms to rare conditions, Inspira Gastroenterology and Digestive Health providers help to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues.
