Capsule Endoscopy in Suwanee, GA
Capsule endoscopy lets your gastroenterologist see the small intestine without a scope.
Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
What Is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy lets your gastroenterologist see the small intestine without a scope. You swallow a capsule about the size of a large vitamin, and a tiny camera inside it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract. The images are sent to a small recorder you wear during the test.
The small intestine is roughly 20 feet long, and most of it is out of reach of a standard upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy fills that gap. Dr. Sumana Moole reviews the images and walks you through what they show at your follow-up visit.
Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
When Capsule Endoscopy Is Recommended
Capsule endoscopy is usually ordered when the answer is likely in the small intestine and other tests have not found it. Common reasons include:
- Bleeding or iron deficiency anemia with no cause found on upper endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Suspected or known Crohn’s disease involving the small bowel
- Ongoing symptoms in celiac disease despite treatment
- Checking for small bowel polyps or growths
- Unexplained abdominal pain or diarrhea that other testing has not explained
Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation is simple. You will usually follow a clear liquid diet the day before and fast for several hours before the test. Some patients also take a light bowel prep so the pictures are clear. You will receive written instructions, and those instructions are the ones to follow.
On the day of the test, a small recorder is attached to a belt or patch, and you swallow the capsule with water. There is no sedation, so you can drive yourself and go about light activities while the capsule works. You can usually drink clear liquids after a couple of hours and eat a light meal a few hours later.
After about eight hours you return the recorder. The capsule is disposable and passes naturally, usually within a day or two.
Understanding Capsule Endoscopy
Safety and Results
Capsule endoscopy is very safe. The main risk is that the capsule gets held up at a narrowed section of the intestine, which is uncommon. If a narrowing is suspected, your doctor may recommend a test first to make sure the capsule can pass. Let the office know about any implanted devices, prior bowel surgery or trouble swallowing pills.
Reviewing the images takes time, so results are not available the same day. Dr. Moole will go over the findings with you and explain the next step, whether that is treatment, a targeted procedure or simply peace of mind.
Book Your Visit
Schedule an Appointment
Merus Gastroenterology & Gut Health is accepting new patients. Book online or call (770) 400-0828.
FaQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does capsule endoscopy hurt?
No. You swallow a capsule about the size of a large vitamin with water, and most people do not feel it at all as it moves through the digestive tract. No sedation or anesthesia is needed.
How long does capsule endoscopy take?
You wear the recorder for about eight hours while the capsule takes pictures. You can go about light activities during that time and return the recorder when the test is done.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
No. Because there is no sedation, you can drive yourself to and from the appointment.
What happens to the capsule afterward?
The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within a day or two. Call the office if you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting after the test.
Can capsule endoscopy replace a colonoscopy?
No. Capsule endoscopy is designed to look at the small intestine. A colonoscopy is still the standard for examining the colon and for colorectal cancer screening, since it also allows polyps to be removed.
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