Capsule Endoscopy
Care Before the Procedure
- Bowel Preparation:
- Clear liquid diet for 12–24 hours before swallowing the capsule.
- Overnight fasting (no food or drink) for 10–12 hours prior.
- Some protocols may include a bowel prep solution to optimize visualization.
- Device Setup:
- Sensors are attached to the abdomen, and the recorder is secured to a belt.
- The recorder is initialized and tested before capsule ingestion.
- Medication Adjustments:
- Temporarily stop iron supplements or other medications that may obscure views (as advised by your doctor).
- Activity Planning:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, magnetic fields (MRI), and metal detectors during the recording period.
Care During the Procedure
- Process
- The capsule is swallowed with water in the clinic under supervision.
- The patient may leave immediately and resume light activities (e.g., walking, desk work).
- Follow dietary guidelines: Clear liquids for 2 hours, light meal after 4 hours.
- Duration
- The capsule records for 8–12 hours; the recorder is worn during this time.
- Patient Role
- Note symptoms, meal times, and activities in a diary provided.
- Avoid bending excessively or jarring movements.
Care After the Procedure
- Recorder Return:
- Return the sensor array and recorder to the clinic as instructed (usually the next day).
- The capsule is disposable and passes naturally; no need for retrieval unless symptoms of obstruction occur.
- Results:
- Images are downloaded and reviewed by the gastroenterologist using specialized software.
- Results are typically available within 1–2 weeks.
- Follow-Up:
- Further testing (e.g., enteroscopy, CT/MRI) may be needed if abnormalities are found.
- Treatment plans (e.g., medication for Crohn’s, iron infusion for anemia) are based on findings.
- Symptoms to Report:
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating (possible capsule retention).
- Failure to pass the capsule within 3 days (confirm via X-ray if concerned).
Eligibility
- Capsule endoscopy may be recommended for patients with:
- Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.
- Suspected Crohn’s diseasewhen other tests are inconclusive.
- Chronic abdominal pain or diarrhea of unknown origin.
- Suspected small bowel tumors (e.g., carcinoid, GIST) or polyps.
- Non-responsive celiac disease to rule out complications.
- Bowel Preparation:
- Clear liquid diet for 12–24 hours before swallowing the capsule.
- Overnight fasting (no food or drink) for 10–12 hours prior.
- Some protocols may include a bowel prep solution to optimize visualization.
- Device Setup:
- Sensors are attached to the abdomen, and the recorder is secured to a belt.
- The recorder is initialized and tested before capsule ingestion.
- Medication Adjustments:
- Temporarily stop iron supplements or other medications that may obscure views (as advised by your doctor).
- Activity Planning:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, magnetic fields (MRI), and metal detectors during the recording period.
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