Video Capsule Endoscopy

Video Capsule Endoscopy enables your doctor to examine your entire small intestine. Your doctor will have you ingest a video capsule that has its own camera. You can move freely during the examination which lasts about eight hours. While the video capsule travels through your intestines, it sends images to a data recorder you will wear close to your waist. The images are then transferred from the belt to a computer and where your doctor will view the images.

Who may need video capsule endoscopy

This procedure is usually needed to evaluate diseases of the small bowel which is 6 meters long. Patients with difficult to diagnose bleeding from the gut or certain other diseases may be required to undertake this procedure

Preparation

Prior to ingestion of the capsule, you would need to cleanse your intestines using a laxative which is similar to the one used for colonoscopy. You will need to remain fasting overnight prior to ingestion of the capsule.

During the procedure

You will be required to wear a nicely fitting belt at your waist. This belt has a sensor which will capture the images transmitted to it from the capsule. The video capsule is swallowed with water and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder. You will be able to eat four hours after the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The examination is over approximately eight hours after the capsule was ingested. At the end of the procedure, the data recorder and sensor array will be removed and the images acquired during your exam will then be downloaded to a computer. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or be in the vicinity of an MRI machine. After you return the equipment, your doctor will process the information from the data recorder and will view a color video of the pictures taken by the capsule. The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You should not feel any pain or discomfort.

Is it safe

Although complications may occur, they are rare when practitioners who are specially trained and experienced in this procedure perform the test. A potential risk could be retention of the capsule. Although very uncommon, it may occur in some patients with Crohn’s disease with narrowing of the small intestine, or patients with previous surgeries.