Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to take pictures of your digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy camera sits inside a vitamin-size capsule you swallow. As the capsule travels through your digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder you wear on a belt around your waist.
Capsule endoscopy is often used to help your doctor see inside your small intestine — an area that isn’t easily reached with more-traditional endoscopy procedures. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.
Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure that carries few risks. To prepare for your capsule endoscopy, your doctor is likely to ask that you: Stop eating and drinking at least 12 hours before the procedure. This will ensure that the camera captures clear images of your digestive tract. Stop or delay taking certain medications. Your doctor watches the video to look for abnormalities within your digestive tract. It might take a few days to a week or longer to receive the results of your capsule endoscopy. Your doctor will then share the results with you.