CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

Capsule endoscopy, as the name indicates, is a procedure in which endoscopy is done via a capsule. It is used to take pictures of the digestive tract, especially the 6 meter small intestine, because this area is difficult for the doctors to examine from ordinary endoscopic procedures. The conventional endoscopy is done with a flexible long tube which is passed through the throat down into the gut.

In capsule endoscopy, a patient is asked to swallow a capsule which is size of a vitamin pill. The capsule contains a tiny, wireless camera. As the capsule passes through the digestive tract of the patient and takes pictures of it. The pictures are then transmitted to a recorder which is tied around the waist of the patient with a belt.

Capsule endoscopy is referred by a doctor for a patient if he presents with complaints related to GIT for which the causes are not clear. These might include the following:

• Find the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding/ane,ia

• Diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases

• Diagnose cancer

• Diagnose celiac disease

• For follow up testing of GIT after other imaging studies as X-Ray or Ultrasound

Capsule endoscopy has a very few potential risks. However, there are chances that the capsule does not leave your body during normal bowel movements after a few days and gets stuck in the digestive system instead. This is most likely to occur in patients with:

• Crohn’s disease

• Tumor

• Stricture

You need to take following precautions in case you’re going for capsule endoscopy:

• Fasting for at least 12 hours before procedure

• Refrain from taking other medications

• Avoid strenuous exercise