Capsule Endoscopy

When May Capsule Endoscopy Procedures Be Recommended?

A doctor may recommend the capsule endoscopy procedure in the following cases:

To Determine the Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding

To determine the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common reasons a doctor could recommend the capsule endoscopy procedure.

To Identify Areas of Inflammation in the Small Intestine

The procedure can also be suggested to diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. Through capsule endoscopy, areas of inflammation of the small intestine can be determined with great precision.

To Diagnose Cancer

Through the capsule endoscopy process, tumors in the digestive tract and small intestine can be diagnosed.

To Diagnose Celiac Disease

The process may also be used to diagnose and monitor the immune system’s reaction caused by the ingestion of gluten in those with an intolerance towards the protein.

To Examine the Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth and stomach. The capsule endoscopy process may be recommended to study abnormal or enlarged veins in the esophagus.

To Screen for Polyps

A polyp is a small lump that grows inside the body. The procedure may be recommended to detect such growths in the small intestine.

Perform Follow-up Testing after X-Rays or Other Imaging Tests

A doctor may recommend the capsule endoscopy process if the results of other imaging tests are unclear or inconclusive. The process can help the doctor get more insight into the condition of the patient.

Risks of the Capsule Endoscopy Process

Overall, capsule endoscopy is a safe process. However, there are a few risks associated with it. One of these risks is that there is a small chance that the capsule remains in the digestive tract instead of being flushed out in a bowel movement. The risk could mainly cause trouble in patients who have undergone surgery in the area, those who are suffering from Crohn's disease, or those who have a tumor in the place. The capsule’s presence in the digestive tract can narrow it. A CT scan could be recommended for patients who experience abnormal pain and narrowing of the intestine. In case the CT scan shows no narrowing of the intestine, it just may be stuck in there.

If the capsule is retained in the colon but displays no signs or symptoms of any trouble, the doctor could give it more time to leave the body.

Furthermore, if the capsule remains stuck, it could be removed by surgery or by performing a traditional endoscopy procedure. Depending on where it is stuck, the doctor will suggest how the capsule can be removed. Remember, these complications may occur in only less than 2% of people, so it isn’t very risky.

How to Prepare for the Capsule Endoscopy Process?

The doctor could advise the patient undergoing the capsule endoscopy to follow a few steps. If the doctor’s instructions are not followed, the capsule endoscopy procedure could be rescheduled for the patient.

Food

The procedure uses a camera to capture images of the digestive tract. Thus, to capture clear images of the digestive tract, the doctor may ask the patient not to consume any food or liquids 12 hours before performing the procedure. Furthermore, depending on the need, the doctor could ask the patient to take a laxative before the capsule endoscopy. This can enhance the quality of images that are captured by the camera, as well as aid in its expulsion after.

Medication

Before the procedure, the doctor may advise the patient not to take certain medications as they can interfere with the camera. Your doctor is the best person to give you more personalized information on this.

Other Precautions

For those who are working, it is recommended to check with the doctor if reporting to work after swallowing the capsule is allowed. Also, one must check with the doctor if performing routine activities post endoscopy permitted. However, after swallowing the camera capsule, the doctor may ask the patient to refrain from lifting heavy objects.

Before the Capsule Endoscopy

On the day the capsule endoscopy procedure is performed, adhesive patches are attached to the abdomen. Each pair could contain an antenna and wires connected to a recorder. Some devices may not require patches.

The patient undergoing the procedure wears a recorder fixed on a special belt worn around the waist. The camera captures and transmits images to the antenna patches set on the abdomen. This data is then passed on to the recorded that receives and stores the images.

During the Capsule Endoscopy Procedure

The recorder is connected and is made ready. Next, the patient swallows the camera capsule with water. The slippery coating makes it easy to swallow and can hardly be felt once eaten. The patient can perform routine activities and is advised to adhere to the doctor’s instructions.

After the Capsule Endoscopy Procedure

The patient undergoing the capsule endoscopy procedure may be asked to wait two hours after swallowing the capsule to consume food. Four hours after consuming the camera capsule, the patient may be permitted to eat a light meal or snacks. Those undergoing the capsule endoscopy procedure must follow the doctor’s advice when consuming liquids and food.

Usually, a capsule endoscopy procedure takes about 8 hours. After a bowel movement, the camera capsule could be flushed out of the body. The patient who has undergone the process is generally able to spot the camera capsule when it is flushed down the toilet.

Subsequently, the patches can be removed from the body, and the recorder can be detached from the body. The equipment could be cleaned, and the same can be returned to the doctor after neatly packing it in its bag.

The time the camera capsule takes to be flushed out from the body may vary from person to person. For some, it could take a few hours, while for others, it may take a few days or even a couple of weeks as every individual’s digestive system can react differently to the capsule.

However, if the camera capsule is not flushed out of the body a fortnight after undergoing the procedure, it is advised to consult a doctor, who may suggest that the patient undergo an X-ray. It will help the doctor to locate the camera capsule in the body.

Results of the Capsule Endoscopy Procedure

In the capsule endoscopy procedure, a camera capsule travels through the digestive tract. En route, it captures thousands of images stored on the recorder before being transferred to a computer. With the help of special software, the images are made into a video. The doctor views the footage and checks for abnormalities in the digestive tract.

After the capsule endoscopy procedure, the doctor could take a few days or even a week to share the results with the patient. Depending on the results, the doctor may recommend the further course of treatment.

To minimize the chances of requiring a colon endoscopy, it is essential to have a healthy gut. Research shows a direct correlation between gut health and the immune system, mental health, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Listed below are a few ways how to maintain a healthy gut. Here’s how you can maintain a healthy gut.

Minimize Stress

Alarmingly high stress levels and chronic stress can tell on the body and the gut. Thus, it is advised to lower the stress levels by practicing meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises, decreasing caffeine intake, having a pet, or going for a walk.

Sleeping Enough Every Day

Sleeping for a few hours or not getting quality sleep can impact gut health and cause medical complications. Those who are having trouble with rest may contact a doctor for help. Thus, it is recommended to get quality sleep every night.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids at regular intervals can help keep the body stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways of ensuring that the gut is healthy.

Checking for Food Intolerances

Cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rashes, nausea, fatigue, and acid reflux can indicate that the individual may be suffering from food intolerance. These symptoms must be paid attention to and addressed at the earliest to avoid complications. To tide over this situation, it is advised to try and identify the foods that could be responsible for the food intolerance. After having determined them, one can attempt to avoid the foods which can improve their digestive and gut health.

If you have any questions about the capsule endoscopy procedure, you can contact a Northlake Gastroenterology specialist. To get in touch and for appointments, click here.