Understanding Capsule Endoscopy: How It Works and What to Expect

If you’ve been advised to have a capsule endoscopy examination to help diagnose your digestive condition, read all about it here. If you need a gastroenterology appointment to help arrange for this test, Unio Specialty Care can help.
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Capsule Endoscopy

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Introduction: Capsule Endoscopy

Did you know that capsule endoscopy is becoming a key method for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders? This procedure has become a standard of care because it provides a comfortable non-invasive way to examine parts of the digestive system that can’t be readily seen by standard endoscopy procedures, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional endoscopy.

If you’re considering this procedure, understanding its benefits and the process can help you make an informed decision. In this article, we will explain how capsule endoscopy works, what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure, and why it has become an important tool in modern medicine.

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy (also called capsule camera study) is a specialized, non-invasive procedure designed to examine the small intestine, which is not easily accessible by traditional endoscopy. This method is beneficial in diagnosing conditions such as unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, diarrhea disorders including inflammatory bowel disease, or other issues that are challenging to detect with standard diagnostic tools. The procedure involves swallowing a small, pill-sized capsule which contains tiny video cameras. As the capsule moves naturally through your digestive system, it captures detailed images of the small intestine. Gastrointestinal specialists then use these images to identify any abnormalities or issues patients face.

Why is Capsule Endoscopy performed?

Capsule endoscopy is performed when traditional diagnostic tools, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy, are unable to detect the cause of symptoms like unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic abdominal pain, or persistent diarrhea. It provides a way to examine the small intestine, which is often challenging to assess with standard procedures. Capsule camera exams are NOT a standard way of screening the COLON for cancer and polyps.

This procedure is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, small intestinal tumors and blood vessel malformations which can cause chronic or intermittent bleeding. It is especially beneficial for patients with unexplained symptoms after other diagnostic tests.

How Do I Prepare For A Capsule Endoscopy?

Proper preparation for a capsule endoscopy is essential to ensure clear images and accurate results. Below is an overview of what to expect during each stage of the preparation process.

A Day Before the Procedure:

On the day before your capsule endoscopy, you will be required to adjust your diet. You can have breakfast and a light lunch, but you must switch to a clear liquid diet in the afternoon and evening. This includes clear broths, water, and certain juices. This diet provides fluids that leave little residue and are easily absorbed with minimal digestive activity. This diet is inadequate in all essential nutrients and is recommended only if clear liquids are temporarily needed. No red or purple liquids should be consumed. Here is an instruction sheet for a clear liquid diet:
Food group Foods not allowed Foods allowed
Milk & beverages. (No red or purple liquids!) Milk, milk drinks, creamer Tea or coffee (decaffeinated or regular), carbonated beverages, fruit flavored drinks, sports drinks, crystal light
Meats & meat substitutes All None
Vegetables All None
Fruits & fruit juices Fruit juices with unstrained fruit Strained fruit juices: apple, white grape, lemonade, white cranberry
Grains & starches All None
Soups All others Clear broth, consomme
Desserts All others Clear flavored gelatin, popsicles (no red or purple)
Fats All None
Miscellaneous All others Sugar, honey, syrup, clear, hard candy, salt
Additionally, you may be asked to drink a bowel preparation solution to help cleanse your digestive system, ensuring the capsule can capture high-quality images of your intestines. It’s important to follow these dietary instructions closely and stop eating or drinking anything, except for necessary medications, several hours before the procedure.

On the Day of the Procedure

On the morning of your capsule endoscopy, you should avoid taking medications or applying lotions or powders to your abdomen and chest, as sensors will be placed on your body. These sensors and a small data recorder that you will wear will track the capsule’s movement. Wear loose-fitting, two-piece clothing for comfort during the procedure. After swallowing the capsule, which is about the size and shape of a vitamin capsule, you can continue most of your daily activities, including taking your usual morning medications. The capsule travels through your digestive system, taking images.

What Happens During A Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a straightforward procedure. Once you swallow the pill-sized camera, it begins to capture images of your digestive tract as it travels through your system. Here’s a breakdown of what happens:

  • Sensors are applied to your abdomen and connected to a data recorder you wear around your waist.
  • You swallow the capsule with water, and it starts taking multiple images per second as it moves through your digestive system.
  • The capsule passes naturally through your gastrointestinal tract over the next 8 hours, during which you can continue your regular activities.
  • Images are continuously transmitted to the data recorder for later review by your doctor.
  • You are monitored to ensure the procedure progresses as expected, but you can generally resume normal activities without restrictions.

What Should I Expect After The Test?

Once the procedure is complete, you’ll return to the doctor’s office to have the sensors and data recorder removed. The images captured by the capsule will be downloaded for review, and your doctor will contact you with the results, usually within a week. The capsule will naturally pass through your system and be excreted within 48 hours, and you should not experience any discomfort. It’s important to avoid having an MRI until the capsule has been excreted.

How Can Unio Specialty Care Treat You With Capsule Endoscopy?

At Unio Specialty Care, our experienced specialists use this advanced technology to accurately diagnose conditions such as Crohn’s disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other disorders that may be difficult to detect through traditional methods. The steps outlined in this article will allow you to be well-prepared regarding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Unio Specialty Care is dedicated to providing personalized care and the latest medical technology, ensuring that your experience with capsule endoscopy is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our highly trained gastroenterologists use capsule endoscopy to deliver precise diagnoses, allowing for more targeted treatment plans. Contact us today to discover how capsule endoscopy can clarify and guide your treatment plan.

Content Review Committee – Unio Specialty Care
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty physician practice, dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of urologic conditions, digestive health issues and many cancers. Learn more.
  • By: Unio Specialty Care, Published: 09/25/24
  • Medically Reviewed By: Glenn Littenberg, MD – 09/24/24