It’s also painless, minimally invasive, and doesnt require anesthesia.
(A regular video camera shoots between 24 and 25 images per second.)
(There are currently three capsule endoscopy systems approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.)
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
This may occur in an intestinal pocket caused bydiverticular diseaseor a narrowed passage (stricture).
Strictures are a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease.
In rare cases, surgery may be required.
Capsule endoscopy is contraindicated in people with a known bowel obstruction.
Before the Test
Capsule endoscopy does not require anesthesia.
That said, it requires many of the same preparations used for a traditional endoscopic procedure.
What to Wear
Eight adhesive sensors will need to be placed on parts of your abdomen.
To reduce sweat and make software easier, wear a light, untucked cotton T-shirt.
This helps improve the image quality as the pill-cam makes its way through the digestive tract.
Your instructions from your healthcare provider will have specific timings about when to stop eating and drinking.
Generally speaking, you will need to stop eating solid food the day before the test.
Some healthcare providers may instruct you to take 10 fluid ounces ofmagnesium citratethe day before.
Other food restrictions should continue for the duration of the test.
Medications
Some medications will also need to be stopped before the capsule endoscopy procedure.
Chief among these are iron supplements or any multivitamins containing iron.
As such, you will need to stop taking iron-containing supplements three to four days before the test.
What to Bring
Be sure to bring your ID and health insurance card to your appointment.
Cost and Health Insurance
Insurance pre-authorization is required for the test.
Ultimately, the decision to authorize is based on the prescribed treatment guidelines and the associatedICD-11 diagnostic code.
In some cases, capsule endoscopy may only be approved after traditional endoscopy has been performed.
Call your health insurance representative to understand what the guidelines dictate.
If you are uninsured or cannot afford thecopay or coinsurancecosts, shop around for the best price.
Independent endoscopy centers may offer nominal savings.
Ask if there are monthly payment options or a discount if the payment is made upfront.
Doing so in advance will save you time at the healthcare provider’s office.
While the belt and data recorder are portable, they are not invisible.
During the Test
Capsule endoscopy is a relatively straightforward procedure.
The preparation takes place in the healthcare provider’s office or a procedure center.
The remainder of the test continues as you go about your day.
You will remove your shirt and the sensors each containing an antenna and long wires will be applied.
The wires will then be attached to whichever unit was provided.
it’s possible for you to then replace your shirt.
(Its slippery outer coating helps it go down easy.)
You shouldn’t be able to feel the pill-cam from then on.
All told, the preparations will take around 15 minutes, barring delays.
You are then free to leave office, drive, and even return to work if appropriate.
You must avoid strenuous physical activity and follow specific dietary guidelines throughout the day.
Throughout the Test
The actual imaging starts the moment you swallow the pill cam.
While instructions can vary, you will generally be able to resume any medications two hours into the test.
You will also be allowed to consume clear liquids, including broth or a light-colored sports drink.
After four hours, you will usually be permitted to have a light lunch or at least a snack.
When that happens, the test is over.
Post-Test
The pill-cam is disposable and can be flushed down the toilet.
you might then remove the patches, belt, and data recorder.
The test results are usually available within a week.
If you unable to spot the pill-cam in your stools after two weeks, call your healthcare provider.
An X-ray may be needed to see if the gadget is stuck somewhere in your digestive tract.
Some people may experience constipation after the procedure, which usually resolves within a couple of days.
To help normalize your bowel movements, drink plenty of fluids and increase your intake of insoluble fiber.
If needed, speak with your healthcare provider about an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener if constipation persists.
The report will contain a list of normal and abnormal findings, along with preliminary interpretations.
While some findings can be readily observed, such as bleeding or strictures, others may be ambiguous.
Another example is the detection of polyps during the procedure.
A Word From Verywell
As valuable a tool as capsule endoscopy is, it is not infallible.
A test can easily be compromised if you dont follow the bowel preparation and dietary instructions.
If the test uncovers no unusual findings but you still have symptoms, dont hesitate to seek asecond opinion.
Sometimes having another set of eyes will bring new insights to the investigation.
Which novelties?World J Gastrointest Endosc.
Bandorski D, Kurniawan N, Baltes P, et al.Contraindications for video capsule endoscopy.World J Gastroenterol.
