Capsule Enteroscopy:
What is a capsule enteroscopy?
Capsule enteroscopy is a procedure that is used to discover the source of a gastrointestinal bleeding within the small intestine. Typically, the bleeding is due to blood vessel malformations that occur spontaneously and cannot be located through colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. In the procedure, the patient swallows a jelly-bean sized capsule, which encases a lens, photo cell, light source, battery and transmitter. The patient is then given a vest which intercepts the photos transmitted from the capsule, and a small computer hard drive in a belt pack that stores the images. Eight hours later, the patient returns to the endoscopy lab and the vest and belt pack are removed. The images are downloaded to a computer, which runs the still color images together into a movie. The physician views this movie to determine the location of the bleed.A capsule enteroscopy is often done in order to detect the following digestive health disorders: Crohn’s Disease and Peptic Ulcers.
What can expect before this procedure?
Prior to the procedure a doctor will explain what the procedure involves, risks, benefits and why it should be conducted. You will need to fast for approximately 10 hours prior to the investigation as the investigation is safest and produces the best results when the bowel is empty. After ingesting the capsule you are unable to eat anything for four hours but oral medications can be taken after two hours if required
If you have any questions prior to this procedure please feel free to contact a Nurse Clinician.
What can I expect during this procedure?
Wireless capsule enteroscopy is a special technique to examine the lining of the middle portion of the gastrointestinal tract. For the procedure you will be required to swallow a 26mm by 11mm endoscopy capsule equipped with a video camera, light source, radio transmitter, and batteries. This passes naturally through your body via peristalsis while it takes many images. The images are detected by a sensor device attached to your abdomen with 8 small aerials taped to the skin. These are recorded and stored on an image recorder worn around your waist. After approximately 8 hours you will be required to return to the endoscopy lab so the images can be downloaded and examined on a computer monitor by the gastroenterologist. Approximately 50,000 images will be taken per investigation so it can take a long time for these to be examined and processed. Your doctor will normally inform you of the results once he or she has completely examined the images.
What can I expect after this procedure?
You should pass the capsule naturally after 8-72 hours but it can sometimes take up to two weeks. If you haven't passed the capsule by this time an X-ray may need to be performed to see if it is still present or obstructed. Once the capsule is excreted it is discarded.
Related websites and resources:
- Anatomy & Functions of the bowel
- Crohn’s Disease
- Peptic Ulcers
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- American College of Gastroenterology
- Mayo Clinic
- More patient resources
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
