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, which has its own lens and light source. The patient will swallow the capsule, and the physician will be able to review the recorded video images later. 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 Performed?
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 a 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 with most new diagnostic procedures, not all insurance companies currently reimburse for this procedure. You may need to consult your insurance company to confirm that this is a covered benefit.
Types of Capsule Endoscopy We Perform
We perform two types of capsule endoscopy studies. Both procedures are performed in the office and begin with the patient swallowing a vitamin-sized capsule containing a miniature camera or tracking device.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
A small bowel capsule endoscopy is used to evaluate the small intestine for sources of bleeding or other abnormalities that may not be visible on traditional endoscopy or colonoscopy.
This study is commonly ordered to investigate:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Suspected Crohn’s disease
- Small bowel lesions or tumors
After swallowing the capsule, the patient wears a recording monitor and goes about their normal daily activities. The monitor is returned to the office approximately 8 hours after the capsule is swallowed so the images can be downloaded and reviewed by the physician.
Slow Transit Motility Capsule / Gastroparesis Study
The slow transit motility capsule evaluates how quickly food and material move through the digestive tract. It is often used to assess motility disorders, including gastroparesis and slow-transit constipation.
Rather than capturing images, this capsule tracks transit time as it travels through the gastrointestinal system.
During this study:
- The patient wears a monitoring device that records capsule movement
- The capsule measures how long it takes to pass through the stomach and intestines
- The monitor is returned to the office once the capsule exits the body
Monitor return time varies but is typically up to 5 days, depending on when the capsule passes.
How Should I Prepare for Capsule Endoscopy?
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, bismuth subsalicylate products, and other “over-the-counter” medications. You might need to adjust your usual dose prior to the examination. Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as swallowing disorders and 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. Before your procedure, your DHC physician will discuss in detail how to prepare for a capsule endoscopy.
What Can I Expect During Capsule Endoscopy in NJ?
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 be put on a computer screen for physician review.
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 must avoid vigorous physical activity, such as running or jumping, during the study. Your doctor can generally provide test results within the week following the procedure; however, some tests may 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, such as members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, perform the test. Potential risks include complications from obstruction. This usually relates to a stricture (narrowing) of the intestine from inflammation, prior surgery, or a 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, have difficulty swallowing, or experience increasing chest pain, notify your physician immediately. Be careful not to prematurely disconnect the system as this may result in loss of image acquisition.
Those in New Jersey who are seeking capsule endoscopy to determine the cause of uncomfortable digestive symptoms can find relief with help from DHC at our Hillsborough office and surgical center. Patients can call 908-218-9222 to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists in NJ.
Our Providers
Comprehensive Gastroenterology Care in Somerset County
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our entire team of gastroenterology specialists is dedicated to you and your digestive health and well-being. We work with patients of all ages to determine the cause of their symptoms and begin the ideal treatment plan to meet their needs. We accept appointments at our three New Jersey office locations, as well as telemedicine appointments from the comfort of your home. Please contact us today to learn more about capsule endoscopy and the other procedures we perform, and to schedule your appointment with us.