Capsule endoscopy allows physicians to examine the lining of the small intestine. This part of the GI tract cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy.
Capsule endoscopy is offered as an in-office procedure. To begin the study, patients will swallow a pill-sized video camera. The camera has a light source and will take pictures of the small intestine as it passes through. Pictures are sent to a small recording device that’s worn on the body. These photos can help determine the cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also detect polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.
Notes about the procedure:
- You will not be sedated for the procedure so you may drive yourself to and from the appointment.
- On the morning of the test you will have a brief interview and will be asked to sign informed consent. Capsule endoscopy is associated with a small risk of intestinal obstruction.
- You do not need to recover the capsule from your stool.