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    Capsule Endoscopy

    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:

    • Identify the cause of bleeding in the small intestine, which is the most common reason for this procedure.
    • Diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases.
    • Detect cancers, such as tumours in the small intestine or other parts of the digestive tract.
    • Diagnose celiac disease.
    • Examine the oesophagus for enlarged veins, known as varices.
    • Screen for polyps, especially in families with certain syndromes that cause polyps in the small intestine.

    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:

    • Quit smoking a day before the test.
    • Consume only clear liquids the day prior, like transparent sports drinks or apple juice.
    • Take a laxative around 8 p.m. the night before to cleanse your digestive tract for optimal visibility.
    • Fast from 10 p.m. onwards, avoiding any intake, even water.
    • Avoid breakfast on the procedure day, but you can have a light morning meal the day before.
    • Prepare your skin by possibly shaving an area on your belly or chest for sensor attachment.
    • Inform your doctor about your medications to ensure they won’t interfere with the test.
    • Wear loose clothing on the appointment day for the equipment to function properly.

    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:

    • The camera takes pictures automatically and does not linger on or focus on suspicious areas.
    • Contents in your digestive tract, as well as mucus and bubbles, may obstruct the camera’s view of certain areas.
    • The camera cannot see inside folds, so some areas may be hidden.

    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.

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    FAQ's

    Capsule endoscopy can be used to diagnose: ➢ Crohn's disease and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease ➢ Gastrointestinal bleeding ➢ Celiac disease ➢ Ulcerative colitis ➢ Colon and rectal cancer

    The capsule endoscopy procedure finishes either after eight hours or upon spotting the camera capsule in the toilet following a bowel movement, whichever happens first. Afterwards, take off the patches and recorder, place them in a bag, and follow the provided instructions for returning the device.

    Capsule endoscopy is typically a safe and painless procedure. However, it comes with certain drawbacks. There is a small chance that the PillCam could get stuck in the small intestine, leading to a blockage known as small bowel obstruction. This rare occurrence might happen in narrowed sections of the small intestine, known as strictures.
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