LAB TEST
Capsule endoscopy
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body. Endoscopy is often done with a tube put into the body that the doctor can use to look inside. Another way to look inside is to put a camera in a capsule (capsule endoscopy). This capsule includes one or two tiny cameras, a light bulb, a battery, and a radio transmitter. It is about the size of a large vitamin pill. The person swallows the capsule, and it takes pictures all the way through the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract. The radio transmitter sends the photos to a recorder the person wears on their waist or shoulder. A technician downloads the photos from the recorder to a computer, and the health care provider looks at them. The camera comes out with a bowel movement and is flushed down the toilet safely.
How the Test is Performed
This test can be started in the provider's office. The capsule is the size of a large vitamin pill, about an inch (2.5 centimeters) long and less than ½ inch (1.3 centimeters) wide. Each capsule is used only once. The provider may ask you to lie down or sit up while swallowing the capsule. A capsule endoscope has a…
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow your provider's instructions. If you do not follow instructions carefully, the test may have to be done a different day. Your provider may ask you to: Take medicine to clear your bowels before this test Have only clear liquids for 24 hours before this test Have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for…
How the Test will Feel
You will be told what to expect before the test is started. Most people consider this test comfortable. While the capsule is in your body you can do most normal activities, but not heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. If you plan to work on the day of the test, tell your provider how active you will be on the job.…
Why the Test is Performed
Capsule endoscopy is a way for the doctor to see inside your digestive system. There are many problems it can look for, including: Bleeding Ulcers Polyps Tumors or cancer Inflammatory bowel disease Crohn disease Celiac disease
Normal Results
The camera takes thousands of color photos of your digestive tract during this test. These pictures are downloaded to a computer and software turns them into a video. Your provider watches the video to look for problems. It may take up to a week for you to learn the results. If no problems are found, your results are…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Your provider will tell you if they find a problem with your digestive tract, what it means, and how it can be treated.
Risks
There are very few problems that can occur with capsule endoscopy. Call your provider right away if, after swallowing the capsule, you: Have a fever Have trouble swallowing Throw up Have chest pain, cramping, or abdominal pain If your intestines are blocked or narrow, the capsule can get stuck. If this happens, you…
References
Canakis A, Huang CS. Endoscopic and imaging procedures. In: Wing EJ, Schiffman FJ, eds. Cecil Essentials of Medicine . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 35. Enns RA, Hookey L, Armstrong D, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the use of video capsule endoscopy. Gastroenterology . 2017;152(3):497-514.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 08/08/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.