Capsule endoscopy, or capsule enteroscopy, is a method for viewing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by ingesting a small capsule (camera device). It can detect irritated and inflamed regions within the small intestine, which may indicate conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It is also useful in diagnosing cancer, as it can reveal tumours in various parts of the digestive tract.
At Apollo Hospital in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our gastroenterologists are highly skilled and extensively trained in performing capsule endoscopies. With their expertise, our proficient doctors consistently achieve outstanding safety and success rates, making our institution the top choice for capsule endoscopy in Hyderabad.
Why Is Capsule Endoscopy Performed?
A doctor might recommend a capsule endoscopy procedure to:
What Happens In Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic technique for observing the interior of your digestive tract. In this procedure, the patient ingests a capsule containing a tiny camera, a transmitter, and a light. While passing through the stomach, intestines, colon, and rectum, the capsule captures thousands of images and sends them to a recorder worn externally on your body.
The physician uses a system to upload the data from the recorder, compiling the images into a video. Capsule endoscopy provides views of the interior of the small intestine, a region that is not easily accessible with conventional endoscopy methods. These visual representations help in identifying issues within the digestive tract and establishing a diagnosis.
Following the procedure, the camera capsule may pass through the patient’s body within hours or over a few days. The timelines for the digestive system vary among individuals. If the capsule does not appear in the toilet within two weeks, an X-ray may be needed to determine if the capsule is still inside the body.
Pre-Operative Care For Capsule Endoscopy
Following your doctor’s instructions is vital when preparing for a capsule endoscopy. Your doctor may ask you to:
During capsule endoscopy appointments, our medical team will explain the procedure to the patient. Patients may be requested to take off their shirts for the application of adhesive patches on their abdomen.
What Happens After Capsule Endoscopy?
After you return the recorder, your doctor will download and review the pictures taken by the capsule’s camera. You will likely receive the results within a week or two.
Capsule endoscopy is highly effective at identifying issues in the intestines, but it has some limitations:
These limitations can result in insufficient imaging of potential problem areas, making it difficult for your doctor to confidently interpret the results. Additional tests may be required in such cases.