The small bowel is one area of the gastrointestinal tract that has been difficult to image, but with the advent of the capsule endoscope, it is possible to image the whole of the small bowel. This procedure is established in the following situations:
- Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia
- Obscure Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Suspicion of small bowel Crohn’s disease
- Assessment of polyp syndromes
How Does a Capsule Endoscopy Work?
- You will be assessed to make sure you are suitable for the procedure during a clinic appointment.
- You will be asked to stay nil by mouth from midnight the night before the procedure.
- Sometimes we ask you to take a bowel cleansing solution on the night before and morning of the procedure.
- When you come to the unit you will be fitted with a belt that contains sensors connected to a data recorder. The sensors receive the information collected by the capsule camera wirelessly as it passes through the bowel.
- You will be asked to swallow the capsule with a glass of water and continue wearing the belt for the next 8-9hours. The belt can then be removed and returned to the unit for the data to be analysed.
- You will be able to drink 2 hours after swallowing the capsule (no fizzy drinks).
- You will be able to eat 4 hours after swallowing the capsule.
In this style of procedure, the capsule itself does not need to be retrieved and is passed into the toilet in time.
The data recorder and belt can are returned the evening of the procedure or the next day for analysis.
What People is Capsule Endoscopy Not Suitable For?
Capsule endoscopy is not suitable for everyone. We would not carry out a capsule endoscopy if the following applies to you.
- Strictures (narrowings) of the gastrointestinal tract
- Pregnancy
- Electromechanical implants (Pacemaker / defibrillator)
- Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing)
- If a MRI scan is planned soon after the test
Will it be Uncomfortable?
The procedure is a safe test and is usually painless. The most likely major complication is retention of the capsule which will be discussed prior to the procedure being undertaken. It is generally related to the presence of a stricture or narrowing of the bowel, that can sometimes be predicted and the test avoided.