Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, and celiac disease.
Preparation
Patients must refrain from eating or drinking (NPO) for eight hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach. The evening before, laxatives are administered to cleanse the bowel. On the day of the procedure, a technician attaches adhesive sensors to the patient's chest and abdomen. The sensors link to a wireless data recorder worn by the patient at the waist.
During the Procedure
After swallowing the capsule with water, patients can resume their usual daily activities but should avoid strenuous activities, sudden movements, or bending for the next eight hours. The capsule travels through the gastrointestinal tract, capturing images stored in the data recorder. Two hours after swallowing the capsule, patients are allowed to drink clear liquids, and after four hours, they can have a light snack and take any necessary medications.
Post-Procedure
Eight hours post-ingestion, patients return to the medical facility to have the sensors and data recorder removed, and the images captured by the capsule are analyzed. The capsule is usually expelled through a bowel movement within a few hours to a few days after the procedure. Patients should consult their healthcare provider if the capsule has not passed within five days. There are no restrictions following the procedure, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately. A follow-up appointment is typically arranged to discuss the results.
Video capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that visualizes the gastrointestinal tract using a small, enzyme-resistant wireless capsule swallowed by the patient.
It is recommended to diagnose conditions such as Crohn's disease, polyps, and celiac disease.
Pre-procedure: The patient undergoes bowel cleansing with prescribed laxatives and maintains NPO for eight hours to ensure clear visualization of the gastrointestinal tract.
During the procedure, adhesive sensors are attached to the patient's chest and abdomen.
These sensors connect to a wireless data recorder that captures signals from the capsule.
The patient swallows the capsule with water and may resume normal activities afterward.
Two hours following capsule ingestion, a clear liquid diet is allowed; after four hours, a light snack and medications are taken.
The capsule takes about eight hours to pass through the digestive tract, capturing images.
Post-procedure: The sensor and recorder are removed to analyze the images.
The capsule is typically expelled naturally within a few hours to five days. Patients should notify their healthcare provider if it has not passed after five days.
