Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, one of the most difficult parts of the digestive tract to reach. The patient swallows a capsule roughly the size of a large vitamin that contains a tiny camera. As it travels naturally through the digestive tract, it captures thousands of images and transmits them to a small recorder worn on the body.
The small intestine sits beyond the reach of a standard upper endoscopy and above the reach of a colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy fills that gap.
The small intestine is long and difficult to reach with a conventional scope. A swallowable camera makes examining it straightforward.
What it is used for
- Investigating obscure gastrointestinal bleeding when the source is not found on standard endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Evaluating unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
- Assessing for Crohn's disease or other inflammation in the small intestine
- Investigating small-intestine abnormalities seen on other imaging
How it works
After a period of fasting, you swallow the capsule with water. It moves through your digestive system naturally, taking images as it goes. You wear a small recording device, and in most cases you can go about much of your normal day while the capsule does its work. The capsule is single-use and passes naturally out of the body.
Preparation
Preparation typically involves fasting beforehand so the small intestine can be clearly imaged. Your physician's office will give you specific instructions, including guidance on any medications.
What to expect
Swallowing the capsule is straightforward, and the procedure is painless and non-invasive — there is no sedation and no scope. After the recording period, you return the recorder, and your physician reviews the images. Because the capsule captures thousands of images, review is thorough.
Your results
Reviewing the captured images takes time, so results are generally discussed at a follow-up appointment with your physician once the full recording has been examined.