Capsule endoscopy

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows your consultant to examine the lining of your small intestine. By swallowing a small, pill-sized capsule equipped with a tiny camera, images are captured as it travels through your digestive tract. This innovative approach helps in diagnosing various gastrointestinal conditions without the need for traditional endoscopy.

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Why might you need capsule endoscopy?

Your consultant may recommend capsule endoscopy if you experience symptoms such as:

• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia

• Suspected Crohn’s disease

• Coeliac disease

• Small bowel tumours or polyps

This procedure is particularly useful for visualising areas of the small intestine that are difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy.

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How to prepare for the procedure

Proper preparation is crucial for obtaining clear images. Here’s how you can prepare:

• Dietary restrictions: On the day before the procedure, consume a clear liquid diet after lunch. Avoid red or purple drinks, milk, and alcohol

• Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything from 10pm on the evening before the procedure

• Medications: Take your usual medications up until two hours before the test with a sip of water. If you have diabetes or other concerns, consult the endoscopy department

• Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, two-piece clothing to accommodate the sensor belt and data recorder

What to expect during capsule endoscopy

On the day of the procedure:

• Arrival: Arrive at The Alexandra Hospital at your scheduled time

• Preparation: A sensor belt will be applied to your abdomen and connected to a data recorder

• Swallowing the capsule: You will be asked to swallow the capsule with a small amount of water

• Post-ingestion: After swallowing the capsule, avoid eating or drinking for at least two hours. After four hours, you may have a light snack

The capsule will naturally pass through your digestive system, taking images that are transmitted to the data recorder.

After the procedure

• Diet: You can return to your normal diet after the examination is complete

• Activity: Avoid strenuous activities and treat the recorder with care during the recording period

• Monitoring: Check your bowel movements to confirm the capsule has passed. If you haven’t seen the capsule pass after two weeks, contact your us

Benefits of capsule endoscopy

• Non-invasive: No need for tubes or instruments to be inserted into your body

• Painless: The procedure is generally comfortable and well-tolerated

• Detailed imaging: Provides high-resolution images of the small intestine

• Minimal disruption: Allows you to continue most normal activities during the procedure

Potential risks

Capsule endoscopy is generally safe, but there are some risks to be aware of:

• Capsule retention: In rare cases, the capsule may get stuck due to a narrowing in the bowel. This occurs in approximately 1% of cases

• Incomplete procedure: Occasionally, the procedure may need to be repeated if the images are not clear

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If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting after the procedure, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Get in touch to make a private appointment request with the Rapid Access Bowl Clinic. Either fill out the form below with a brief nature of your request, or call our team on 0161 495 7046 who will be happy to help.