What is a capsule endoscopy?
During a capsule endoscopy, also known as capsule enteroscopy or small bowel endoscopy, a tiny camera captures images of your digestive tract. Your doctor may order a capsule endoscopy in order to view your small intestine since that area is hard to reach using other endoscopic procedures.
How long does it take to recover from a capsule endoscopy?
You can have a light snack and take your medicines after 4 hours. The procedure will be complete in 8 hours. You will be able to work or do your daily activities during the procedure. What will happen after a capsule endoscopy? The capsule usually comes out in your bowel movement within 3 days, but may take longer.
What are the side effects of an endoscopy?
You may have stomach pain during your procedure. The capsule may not come out in your bowel movement. The pictures taken by the capsule may not be clear. The pictures may not show the cause of your symptoms. You may need another endoscopy procedure. The capsule may get trapped in your body if your intestines are narrow or blocked.
What is an endoscopy and how does it work?
An endoscopy is a procedure that uses imaging to evaluate the organs and tissues of your body, including your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Being able to visualize your GI tract can help your doctor to identify and diagnose a variety of different conditions.
Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on June 17, 2021 Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your gastrointestinal tract. It’s a type of endoscopy done using a wireless camera that fits inside a tiny, disposable capsule. This capsule can be easily swallowed.
How do I take the wireless video endoscopy capsule?
Your doctor will then ask you to swallow the pill-sized wireless video endoscopy capsule with some water. Once you swallow the capsule, you can get back to daily life for the next 8 hours. As the capsule journeys through your digestive system, your doctor will instruct you to: Wait at least two hours before drinking clear liquids.
Should I get a CT scan before capsule endoscopy?
If you have abdominal pain or are at risk of a narrowing of your intestine, your doctor likely will have you get a CT scan to look for a narrowing before using capsule endoscopy. Even if the CT scan shows no narrowing, there’s still a small chance that the capsule could get stuck.
Can I take a laxative before my capsule endoscopy?
In some cases, your doctor may ask you to take a laxative before your capsule endoscopy to flush out your small intestine. This has been shown to improve the quality of the pictures collected by the capsule’s camera. To keep medication from interfering with the camera, your doctor might ask you not to take certain medications before the procedure.