Evaluating Your Digestive Tract with a Simple Pill
Capsule Endoscopy
Unlike traditional endoscopy, capsule endoscopies are exactly as they sound, a capsule! The capsule is easily swallowed because it is the size of a traditional pill. The capsule contains a small camera that provides a feed to your San Jose gastroenterology doctor and may provide a diagnosis for the issues you may be having in your digestive tract.
The capsule endoscopy procedure includes:
- Swallowing a small video capsule at the doctor’s office. The video will have a light and be able to transmit to a recorder that is worn around your waist.
- Images will be taken periodically for your doctor to review your stomach and small intestine.
- Images will be taken periodically for your doctor to review your stomach and small intestine.
At San Jose Gastroenterology, we work hard to ensure that our patients feel educated and aware of the test that they are undergoing, and that they are confident in our ability to care for them. While capsule endoscopy procedures are convenient, they may not work for everyone. You should avoid capsule endoscopies if you have a pacemaker or implant that has magnetic or electronic pulses.
- Drink plenty of fluids before you begin the fasting period, as this can help keep you hydrated and make the procedure more comfortable.
- On the day of the procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing. You’ll have sensors attached to your abdomen to monitor the capsule as it moves through your digestive tract, so avoid tight clothing that might interfere with the sensors.
- While you won’t feel the capsule as it moves through your digestive tract, it’s helpful to know that you might notice it in your stool. Be prepared for this and make sure you don’t discard the capsule accidentally if it’s still in your stool.
- Based on the findings from the capsule endoscopy, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests or procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
During the capsule endoscopy procedure, you’ll typically be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period, usually before and after swallowing the capsule. Following your gastroenterologist’s instructions regarding fasting is important to ensure clear imaging of the small intestine.
After the capsule endoscopy is completed and the capsule is expelled from your body, the recorded images are reviewed by a gastroenterologist at San Jose Gastroenterology. Advanced software is used to analyze the images and identify any abnormalities or areas of concern.
After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities and diet unless instructed otherwise. The capsule will typically pass through your digestive tract and be expelled naturally. Your healthcare provider will review the images collected by the capsule and discuss the findings with you at a follow-up appointment. Depending on the results, additional tests or treatments may be recommended.
Typically, the capsule will be expelled naturally in your stool. Your healthcare provider may provide instructions on how to check for the capsule and what to do if you find it. In most cases, you won’t need to do anything special as the capsule is designed to be safely expelled without causing any issues.
While you are wearing the monitoring device, you should generally avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or anything that could dislodge the sensors. Your healthcare provider will give you specific guidelines on what activities are safe during the monitoring period. It’s usually okay to perform light, everyday tasks.
