A cutting-edge procedure called capsule endoscopy is available at the Endoscopy Center in Hagerstown to help doctors see what is going on in your small intestine, an area that typical tests, such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy, can’t reach.

This special capsule does not hold medication, but holds a miniature color video camera with a wireless radio frequency transmitter and four LED lights. This capsule looks very similar to a pain reliever pill and has enough battery power to take more than 55,000 color images during an eight-hour journey through your gastrointestinal tract. These pictures are then sent electronically back to your doctor’s office and put onto a DVD for your doctor to evaluate.

This tiny camera is especially helpful for doctors to see areas of the small intestine to search for a cause of unexplained bleeding. Typically an upper endoscopy can only evaluate 20% of a patient’s small bowel. This capsule allows doctors to see what is going on in the entire bowel. It’s the least invasive way for your doctor to see your esophagus and digestive tract.

The capsule can also be used to detect polyps, tumors, or cancer of the small intestine; inflammatory disease or Crohn’s disease; and celiac disease. It is used to determine problems in the esophagus such as gastrointestinal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and bleeding. It is often used to help diagnose unexplained anemia and can also be helpful to see if current treatment methods are working.

How It Works
For the clearest examination, your doctor will advise you to avoid food or drink from midnight on the day of your appointment. This will allow for the clearest pictures possible. When you arrive at your physician’s office for your appointment, you will be asked to wear eight small electrodes and a recording device much like a heart monitor. No sedation is required for the patient and there is no recovery time needed.

After you swallow the capsule, you are able to return to work and function normally while the images are sent electronically back to your doctor’s office. Two hours after you swallow the capsule you will be allowed to drink clear liquids. Four hours later you will be able to eat a sandwich or soup. Eight hours later the capsule will discontinue taking photos, and approximately twenty-four hours later it will be passed normally through your digestive system. The capsule will pass normally in a bowel movement and does not need to be returned.

Capsule endoscopy is not recommended for patients who have history of bowel obstruction, swallowing disorders, a pacemaker, or defibrillator.

If you are interested in finding out more about capsule endoscopy or to see if you are a good candidate, contact the Endoscopy Center at 240-313-9800.

Click here to go to the Endoscopy Center at Robinwood.