Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy also called wireless or video capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera that fits inside a tiny, disposable capsule ‌to take pictures of your digestive tract.. This capsule can be easily swallowed. As the capsule travels through your digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder you wear on a belt around your waist. Capsule endoscopy helps doctors see inside your small intestine — an area that isn't easily reached with more-traditional endoscopy procedures (OGD scopy and colonoscopy) 

• Find the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to explore unexplained bleeding in the small intestine.
• Diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease. CE can reveal areas of inflammation in the small intestine.
• Diagnose cancer: CE can show tumors in the small intestine or other parts of the GI tract.
• Diagnose celiac disease: CE is sometimes used in diagnosing and monitoring this immune reaction to eating gluten.
• Screen for polyps: People who have inherited syndromes that can cause polyps in the small intestine might occasionally undergo capsule endoscopy.
• Inconclusive imaging: Your doctor might recommend a CE to get more information.

• When you visit your doctor, they will inform you about the procedure, along with what to expect. 
• You’ll be asked to wear a recording device on your waist throughout the procedure. This device will record and store pictures taken by the capsule camera as it moves through your gut. 
• Some recording devices even have electrode patches that must be applied onto the skin of your chest or abdomen. 
• 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.
• Wait at least four hours before having a snack.
• ‌Avoid strenuous activities that involve bending or sudden movements.
• ‌Ensure that you keep the recording device safe and dry by avoiding bathing or swimming.

• Stick to a clear liquid diet a day before your procedure — like juices and soups.
• Clear your gastrointestinal tract by taking a laxative as prescribed. This can improve your camera’s view inside your gut.
• Avoid eating or drinking 10 to 12 hours before your procedure.
• Consult with your doctor about your allergies or any medications you're taking.

•  A capsule endoscopy procedure is complete after eight hours or when the capsule passes out of your body when you poop. After this, you’ll have to go back to your doctor to return the recording device or remove the electrodes. Ensure that you don’t disconnect the system before time as it can affect the images being taken.‌ 
• Depending on your bowel movement, the capsule can remain in your system from a few hours to days. But you will eventually notice it in your toilet. The capsules are disposable and can be easily flushed down the toilet. ‌
• ‌If you notice that you haven’t passed the capsule after several days, you must contact your doctor. They may use imaging like an X-ray to find the capsule in your system.
• After the procedure, your doctor will transfer stored images from the recording device onto a computer. Using specialized software, they will combine these images into a video. ‌
• Your doctor will then review the video in detail. This will help them identify any gastrointestinal problems by observing the capsule’s movement through your system.

Capsule endoscopy is considered to be a very safe and simple procedure. The capsule is usually excreted with a patient’s faeces within 24–48 hours after ingestion. 

Very rarely, the capsule gets stuck in your gastrointestinal tract. ‌You may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea or vomiting. You may even develop fever, chest pain, or experience difficulty swallowing. Contact your doctor immediately. They may use imaging techniques or medications to prevent the capsule from getting stuck or rarely have to surgically remove the capsule.‌