Capsule Endoscopy

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY is a procedure that involves swallowing a small (the size of a large vitamin pill) capsule that will pass naturally through the digestive system while taking pictures. The images are transmitted to sensors that are placed on the abdomen. These images are saved in a computer that is worn around the waist.

Eight hours after the capsule has been ingested, the sensors and computer are removed and the images are downloaded into a video. The capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in a bowel movement. Most people undergoing capsule endoscopy consider the test comfortable.

How is the capsule endoscopy scheduled?

A nurse will contact you by phone to get necessary information about you or your child. It is important to get prescreening information prior to having this procedure done. Once all the prescreening information is taken, the nurse will then schedule a time and date for your capsule endoscopy to take place.

Are there any instructions to follow before the procedure?

Iron medication has to be stopped for 1 week prior to the procedure, as it will interfere with the interpretation of images. Also aspirin and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), like Advil or Indocin (ask your pharmacist is you are not sure if a medication is an NSAID), need to be stopped one week prior to procedure. (We need to know if these drugs have been taken for 30 days or more.)

Clear liquid diet is started at noon the day before the procedure. No food or drink can be taken for 12 hours prior to coming in for the capsule endoscopy. The nurse will give you these times.

What restrictions apply to capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is not indicated for anyone who has a swallowing disorder or who has a history of, or signs and symptoms of a bowel obstruction. If children cannot swallow the capsule it can be placed in the stomach endoscopically. We will discuss this with you if you think your child cannot or will not swallow the capsule. Other restrictions may apply and will be assessed at the screening phone call.

After ingesting the capsule for this procedure an MRI study CANNOT BE done until it has positively been verified that the capsule has been excreted from the body. It is also important to avoid powerful radio frequency waves (e.g., amateur ham radio) during the capsule recording period as it can interfere with transmission of images. Please note that two people undergoing capsule endoscopy at the same time should not be near each other as their computers may exchange pictures.

Strenuous physical activity is avoided during capsule recording times.

What can I expect during a capsule endoscopy procedure?

After the prescreening phone call the nurse will schedule the procedure and give pre-procedural instructions. Iron, aspirin and NSAID's, like Advil or Indocin, need to be stopped one week prior to capsule endoscopy. A clear liquid diet is begun at noon the day before the procedure.

To best visualize the small intestine, food ingestion, even water, is restricted for 12 hours prior to the ingestion of the capsule.

Arrival to the hospital is usually early am. Sensors are applied to the abdomen with adhesive sleeves. The sensors are then attached to the computer, which is encased in a belt worn around the waist. Some patients will take medication to speed up the motility of their GI tract ½ hour prior to ingesting the capsule.

After the capsule is swallowed, patients are free to leave the hospital and are asked to return 8 hours later. Strenuous activity is restricted during the capsule endoscopy recording time. After 2 hours clear liquid drink may be taken.

A light lunch can be had 4 hours after the capsule was ingested. Upon return to the hospital, the adhesive sleeves, belt & computer are removed.

You or you and your child can go home. You will be given an appointment date and time so you can discuss the results of the test. The nurse will download the images overnight and a pediatric gastroenterologist will review the video.

How does the capsule get eliminated?

The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You will not feel any discomfort.