Capsule Endoscopy: Indications and Complications
Capsule endoscopy is a way of examining your gastrointestinal tract; especially your small intestine, which cannot be reached by the conventional upper endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Procedure
Your doctor will ask you to swallow a pill sized capsule. This capsule contains a camera that can take colour pictures of your gastrointestinal tract and send it wirelessly to the receiver that you will be carrying with you. Your doctor might attach a sensor device to your abdomen with the help of adhesive tape. After swallowing the capsule enteroscopy you may carry on with your normal activity unless it involves vigorous movements. Your doctor will advise you to take fluids only 2 hours after you have swallowed the capsule. You may take a light meal after four hours unless your doctor says otherwise. The endoscopic capsule will exit your body with your stool. You can flush the camera capsule. The endoscopy completes in about 8 hours; remove the patches and recording equipment from your body and visit the doctor as instructed.
Indications for Capsule Endoscopy
This procedure is most commonly used to identify by the cause of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Other indications are:
- Detect tumours or polyps in the intestine
- Detect ulcers
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Preparation
The results of a capsule endoscopy are the best if your gastrointestinal tract is clear. Hence your doctor might advise you to stop ingestion of fluid or water about 12 hours before the procedure. You will be asked to tell your doctor about all the medications that you’ve been taking; your doctor might ask you to not take them for a day or take them some time after the capsule has been swallowed. Sometimes you may be prescribed a laxative to clear your bowels. Discuss any swallowing disorder or the presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator. You will also be required to tell your doctor about the previous history of abdominal surgery or strictures.
Complications of Capsule Endoscopy
This procedure is accompanied by the possibility of the capsule getting stuck in the bowels at a narrowing which may be due to previous surgery, tumour or inflammation. The signs of obstruction include bloating, nausea, vomiting or pain in the abdomen. Contact your doctor if you experience them. Do not disconnect the sensors prematurely as this may lead to a loss of data.
Recovery
The enteroscope takes numerous pictures of your bowel. Your doctor will analyze the data it produces and discusses the results with you.
Resources:
