CAPSULE ENTEROSCOPY
A wireless capsule enteroscopy, also known as capsule endoscopy, wireless endoscopy or the ‘pill cam’ is a novel approach to diagnosing disorders in the small intestine.
For the procedure, a vitamin size capsule with an endoscopy camera is swallowed. As it travels through the digestive tract, the camera clicks thousands of pictures which are transmitted to the recorder that the patient wears on a belt around the waist.
Why is it performed?
A capsule enteroscopy is recommended to diagnose the following:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Celiac Disease
- Polyps
- Evaluate the oesophagus
- Follow up testing after other imaging tests
How to prepare for capsule enteroscopy?
Prior to the procedure, the patients will have to take the following steps to prepare themselves. Failure to follow these directions, may result in rescheduling of the procedure
- To not eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure
- To take a laxative to flush out the small intestine
- Doctor may also recommend certain medications before the procedure.
- If the patient is a diabetic, medication needs to be stopped during the 12 hour fast and use if insulin has to be discussed with the doctor.
What are the risks involved?
Capsule enteroscopy is a safe procedure with few risks. It has a gel coating that makes it easier to swallow. However, it is possible that the capsule gets retained in the digestive tract instead of leaving the body through bowel movement in a few days. This is a very rare occurrence and is possible to happen in people with a tutor, Crohn’s disease or those who have had a surgery in that area, which leads to narrowing of the digestive tract.
If a patient complains of abdominal pain or he or she is at a risk of narrowing of the intestine, the doctor is likely to recommend a CT scan. Even if CT scan shows no narrowing of the intestine, there is still a slight chance for the capsule to get stuck.
If a capsule does not leave the body through bowel movement within a few days and causes symptoms of bowel obstruction, it may need to be removed through surgical intervention or through traditional endoscopy procedure, depending on the location in which the capsule is stuck.
What to expect?
Prior to the procedure, adhesive patches containing an antenna with wires that connect to the recorder are attached to abdomen. The recored is strapped on a special belt around the patient’s waist. Camera send pictures to the antenna patches which transfer the data to the recorder.
Once the recorder is connected, the patient swallows the camera capsule. It is recommended for the patient to wait a couple of hours to consume any clear liquids. A snack or meal can be consumed within four hours of swallowing the pill. The procedure ends after 8 hours or when the capsule exists the body through bowel movement, whichever happens first.
