Why is this procedure done?
Doctors may use new technology to look at your digestive system. You may be asked to swallow a special videocapsule. It is the size of a large vitamin. The capsule has a small wireless camera with lights and batteries. It will take pictures of your digestive tract as the camera passes through your small bowel. The pictures will be sent to a recorder that you wear on your belt. Your doctor may order this if you have: ‚
- Bleeding in your digestive system
- Certain diseases like cancer, Crohns, or celiac disease
- Polyps
- Other problems and have already had some x-rays done
What will the results be?
Your doctor will find out more information about any problems you may be having with your digestive system. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. This may include a rectal exam. The doctor may order tests for your stool. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- The bowel needs to be cleaned out before this test. Your doctor will tell you to take drugs to help make sure your bowels are empty. These may be liquids, pills, or both. You will take them the night before the exam.
- You cannot eat or drink from 10 to 12 hours before your test. Length of time depends on what the doctor is evaluating.
- Tell your doctor if you have any problems swallowing.
What happens during the procedure?
- Small sticky patches will be put on your belly. These patches have an antenna with wires that are attached to a recorder. This recorder is worn on a special belt around your waist.
- You will swallow the capsule with a glass of water. The camera takes pictures as it passes through the bowel. These pictures are sent to the recorder through the wires in the patches. The recorder collects and stores all the pictures.
- The capsule leaves the body through a bowel movement. Once this happens, you can remove the patches and return the recorder to your doctor.
- The test may take 8 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home after you swallow the capsule. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- After you swallow the capsule, the doctor will tell you when you can drink clear liquids. The doctor or nurse will tell you when you will be able to eat a light meal. Your doctor may have you write down your activity and what time you eat and drink.
- You will be able to take off the sticky pads and recorder when told to by your doctor. Most often, this is after 8 hours. You will give these back to the doctor. You will pass the videocapsule in your stool over the next few days. You do not need to give it back
- Do not go near an MRI device or have an MRI exam while the capsule is still inside your body.
- Avoid magnetic devices until the capsule is passed in your stool.
- Avoid doing hard activities while wearing the recorder.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You will need to talk about the results of the test. You and your doctor can then make a plan for more care.
- Look at your stools for the capsule.
- You may need an x-ray to see if the capsule is still in your body.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever above 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C)
- Signs of bowel obstruction. This includes bloating, belly pain, upset stomach, and throwing up.
- Chest pain
- Trouble swallowing
Where can I learn more?
American Gastroenterological Association ‚
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/capsule-endoscopy ‚
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=390 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚