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 Capsule endoscopy helps our doctors evaluate the small intestine. This part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.
A physician uses a pill sized video capsule called a capsule endoscope to view images of the gastrointestinal tract on a video monitor. Once swallowed the camera moves naturally through the digestive tract while patients carry out their normal activities. During this time, video images are transmitted to a small data recorder worn by the patient.
Approximately eight hours after ingesting the camera, patients return the recording device to their doctor or nurse so the images can be downloaded to a computer and evaluated. The capsule endoscope is disposable and will be excreted naturally through the patient's bowel movement.
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