What conditions does Capsule Endoscopy diagnose?
Capsule Endoscopy aids the diagnoses of many diseases and abnormalities within the gastrointestinal tract. These include:
The procedure involves swallowing a pill-sized video camera (approx. the size of a jellybean) which captures thousands of images as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract – enabling detailed imaging without the need for intubation, sedation, or radiation.
The captured images are transmitted to a small recording device, allowing your doctor to analyse them effectively, while the capsule passes naturally through the body without the need for retrieval.
This painless diagnostic technology has been in active clinical use since the early 2000s and is considered a significant advancement in endoscopy. Through the comprehensive review of the entire digestive tract, often difficult to reach with other methods, capsule endoscopy aids the diagnosis of a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.
Upper GI Capsule Endoscopy
This 15-minute procedure requires fasting before the appointment.
On the day, patients drink water, and a sensor belt laid over the abdomen during the procedure.
After swallowing the capsule, patients assume various positions to ensure comprehensive imaging of the stomach. The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
The capsule is naturally excreted and can be flushed away.
A report is provided within 72 hours.
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
Patients adjust their diet and take a laxative the day before the procedure.
After fasting from midnight, they arrive at the clinic to swallow the capsule, with a recorder belt placed around the waist.
Patients can then return home, and the belt is returned to the clinic, later, the same day.
The capsule is naturally excreted and can be flushed away.
The video is reviewed, and a report is issued within five days.
Colon Capsule Endoscopy
Preparation includes dietary changes and strong laxatives the day before.
On the procedure day, patients swallow the capsule and may consume additional laxatives or ‘boosters’ under instruction, directed by the recording machine.
The capsule is naturally excreted and can be flushed away.
The video footage is analysed, and a report is provided within five days.
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