Capsule Endoscopy

What is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy, also known as video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure that uses a small, ingestible capsule equipped with a camera to examine and evaluate the small bowel.

How Does Capsule Endoscopy Work?

The capsule endoscope is a pill-sized device that you swallow with water at the clinic. Once swallowed, the capsule travels naturally through your digestive system, capturing thousands of images along the way. These images are transmitted to a recorder worn on a belt around your waist. After the procedure, you can go home while the capsule continues its journey through your GI tract. Then, your images are evaluated by a gastroenterology specialist.

What does it do?

Capsule endoscopy can:

• Investigate recurrent or obscure gastrointestinal bleeding when other endoscopic methods have not identified the source.
• Locate lesions before further procedures like angiography, surgery, or additional endoscopies.
• Evaluate conditions affecting the small bowel, such as Crohn's disease and Celiac disease.

A capsule endoscopy is most often used for unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding without a source. 

Limitations

Capsule endoscopy is solely a diagnostic tool. It cannot be used for biopsy, treatment, or therapeutic interventions. It is usually used in conjunction with traditional endoscopic evaluations performed by gastroenterologists, who may provide therapeutic treatments.

If you have digestive concerns, talk to your primary care doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing.