Capsule Endoscopy

A capsule endoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses innovative technology to examine the entire length of your small intestine. Board-certified gastroenterologist Peter S. Yotseff, MD, at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers in Pembroke Pines, Florida, aims to make it easy for patients to get the health services they need. The professional and luxurious gastroenterology practice performs capsule endoscopy exams to evaluate the small intestine. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about capsule endoscopy.

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy examines the lining of your small intestine. For the procedure, you swallow a vitamin-sized pill containing a video camera. This camera takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

After completing the test, your gastroenterologist examines the images recorded by the camera to look for conditions that affect the small intestine. 

Am I a candidate for capsule endoscopy?

Your gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers determines if you’re a candidate for capsule endoscopy after a consultation. They may recommend the procedure if you have unexplained symptoms such as GI bleeding, abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habits.

The capsule endoscopy may detect health issues like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, tumors, or ulcers. Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers may also recommend capsule endoscopy for patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or celiac disease to monitor their condition.

What happens during capsule endoscopy?

Before your capsule endoscopy, Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers provides you with specific instructions on preparing for your test. They need a clean bowel to get the best images and may request you stop eating at midnight the night before your exam.

You begin your capsule endoscopy at the office. First, your provider attaches sensors (to your abdomen or waist) that collect the data from the camera. The data from the sensors go to a recording device you wear on your waist. 

Your provider has you swallow the capsule with some water, and you leave the office and resume your usual activities. 

Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers requests you continue to not eat or drink for a set period of time after you swallow the capsule. They provide specific guidelines on when and what you can eat during the test.

They also request that you skip any strenuous physical activity during your capsule endoscopy. A full capsule endoscopy exam takes about eight hours. 

What happens after capsule endoscopy?

At the end of your capsule endoscopy, you return to the Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers to hand over your sensor and recording equipment. Your gastroenterologist examines the data and schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings. 

Most people eliminate the capsule in their stool within a day. However, it can take longer. There’s no need to return the capsule unless your gastroenterologist says otherwise. 

To find out more about capsule endoscopy at Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Centers, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.