Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy can help in visualizing and evaluating the lining of the middle part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum).

What problems can capsule endoscopy be used to diagnose?

Capsule endoscopy evaluates the small intestine. This part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is

• to identify cause of bleeding from the small intestine
• for detecting polyps,
• diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease),
• diagnosing small bowel ulcers
• detecting tumors of the small intestine

How is capsule endoscopy done?

A sensor device is applied and fastened to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape). The capsule endoscope is swallowed and as it passes naturally through your digestive tract, it transmits video images to a data recorder worn on your belt for approximately eight hours. At the end of the procedure you will return to the office and the data recorder is removed so that images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for the physician's review.