WHAT IS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY?
- A capsule endoscopy is painless procedure that does not require sedation and is performed to visualize the lining of the small intestine. The procedure consists of a patient swallowing a capsule with a light and camera inside of it which takes thousands of photos as passes through the small intestine. The photos are sent to a small box worn on the patient’s belt and then downloaded to a computer for viewing by the physician.
In Plano, TX, Matthew Eidem, M.D. uses the Given Imaging PillCam SB video capsule when performing Capsule Endoscopy procedures. To learn more about how the Given Imaging PillCam SB works watch the video below or visit their website at http://www.givenimaging.com.
WHY IS CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY PERFORMED?
- Capsule endoscopy is performed to evaluate the small bowel which is not evaluated during EGD and colonoscopy. Most commonly it is performed to evaluate for an unidentified source of GI bleeding or iron deficiency anemia. The capsule can also be used to evaluate for small bowel tumors, polyps, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, AVMs, Celiac disease, etc.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY?
- To ensure the best visualization of the small bowel for the capsule endoscopy study, you will be given written instructions regarding preparation and generally need to start on a clear liquid diet after lunch on the day prior to the procedure.
WHAT WILL I DO DURING AND AFTER THE CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY STUDY?
- After the capsule is ingested and the recording device is attached, the patient is able to leave our office and return to work or home. Eight hours later, the capsule endoscopy exam has been completed and the recording device should be returned to our office. The photos are then downloaded to a computer for Dr. Eidem’s viewing. You will be contacted by Dr. Eidem’s office several days later, after the images have been read and interpreted.
- The capsule does not need to be retrieved after it is excreted
- No sedation is used, there are no driving restrictions with capsule endoscopy
- An MRI study should not be performed until the capsule has been excreted from the body