Capsule endoscopy uses a capsule with a tiny camera in it to take pictures of the digestive tract. The capsule is swallowed like a pill and provides images of the small intestine, an area not usually reached on other endoscopy procedures. These pictures are sent to a recorder outside the body. The capsule passes out of the body through the stool within a few days. A capsule endoscopy is mostly used to check for problems within the small intestine which can include symptoms such as bleeding. The test can also help diagnose Crohn’s disease, varices, celiac disease and cancer. A capsule endoscopy is also sometimes requested if you had imaging tests that were inconclusive. A member of our health team will call you to schedule this procedure, which is completed in the office. Before the test, you will follow instructions given to you by staff. You will come into the office, swallow the pill then go about your day. Later on, will return to the office to drop off the recorder. This procedure does not involve sedation so you can drive to our office and go to work. You will receive the results in about 1-2 weeks.
Reference: Mayo Clinic. 2023. Capsule Endoscopy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/capsule-endoscopy/about/pac-20393366
