What Can I Expect During the Capsule Endoscopy?

The nurse will prepare you for examination by applying an array of sensors 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.

At the end of the procedure, the data recorder and array of sensors will be removed and the images will then be downloaded for your doctor to review.

Palm Beach Gastroenterology Consultants

 

Capsule Endoscopy

Your doctor may determine that a capsule endoscopy of the small bowel is necessary for further evaluation of your condition. Capsule endoscopy with the PillCam® video capsule will provide your doctor with pictures of your small intestine. A capsule endoscopy is contraindicated in patients that are known or suspected of bowel obstruction, patients with pacemakers or other implanted electromedical devise and in patients suffering from swallowing disorders.

What is the PillCam® SB?

The PillCam® SB video capsule measures 11 mm x 26 mm and weighs less than 4 grams. It contains an imaging device and light-source on one-side and transmits images at a rate of 2 images per second generating more than 50,000 pictures over an 8-hour period. PillCam® is used by physicians to detect and diagnose disorders of the small intestine. This includes Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumors, malabsorption disorders (such as celiac disease), GI injuries induced by extended NSAID use and suspected GI bleeding of the small bowel.

How the Procedure Works

A patient follows a clear liquid diet starting with breakfast the day before the procedure. The following morning they arrive at the physician’s office where they are prepped for the procedure. This includes attaching the sensor array to the patient’s abdomen and the data recorder to a belt around the patient’s waist. Once these tasks have been completed the patient will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill. The patient can resume daily activities once he or she has successfully swallowed the PillCam® video capsule. After 8-hours the patient returns to the physician’s office to return the device and the pill passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within 24 hours.
Images are downloaded by the physician for review and diagnosis.