Capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine. It involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine. This procedure is used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and small bowel tumors.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine. It involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine.
Who gets a capsule endoscopy procedure?
Capsule endoscopy is used to diagnose and monitor diseases such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and small bowel tumors. It is also used to diagnose unexplained bleeding in the small intestine.
How does a capsule endoscopy work?
The capsule endoscopy procedure involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine. The camera is attached to a thin wire that transmits the images to a recording device worn on the patient’s belt. The images are then sent to a computer for analysis.
How do I prepare for the test?
Before the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient should avoid eating or drinking for 8 hours prior to the test. The patient should also avoid taking any medications that may interfere with the test.
What should I expect during the test?
During the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient will swallow the pill-sized camera and wear the recording device on their belt. The patient will then be monitored for 8 hours while the camera takes pictures of the inside of the small intestine.
What are the risks of this test?
The risks of capsule endoscopy are minimal. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
What are the benefits of this test?
The benefits of capsule endoscopy include the ability to diagnose and monitor diseases of the small intestine without the need for invasive procedures.
When should I know the results of the test?
The results of the capsule endoscopy procedure are usually available within a few days.
When should I call my doctor after a capsule endoscopy?
Patients should call their doctor if they experience any abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting after the capsule endoscopy procedure.
References:
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/procedures/capsule-endoscopy
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/capsule-endoscopy/about/pac-20384717
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Capsule Endoscopy. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/capsule-endoscopy
Keywords: capsule endoscopy, small intestine, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, small bowel tumors