Capsule endoscopy is a procedure designed to help your physician see what is happening inside parts of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is the tube which extends from the mouth to the anus in which the movement of muscles digests food. During the procedure the patient swallows a vitamin-sized pill with a camera inside. Transported smoothly and painlessly through the GI tract by the body’s own peristalsis, the PillCam video capsule transmits images of different parts of your body such as the small intestine. Since the first PillCam video capsule was approved by the FDA in 2001, more than 700, 000 patients have safely swallowed the PillCam video capsule.
Capsule endoscopy is the least invasive and most direct way for doctor’s to see the entire small intestine. The PillCam video capsule is designed specifically to help your doctor see inside your small bowel (small intestine) to diagnose disorders such as Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, benign and cancerous tumors, ulcerative colitis as well as other disorders. The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract that connects the stomach to the large intestine and absorbs nutrients.
The PillCam small bowel video capsule contains an imaging device and light source on one side and transmits images at a rate of two images per second generating more than 50,000 pictures over an 8-hour period.
How the Procedure Works
The patient fasts starting at midnight the day before the procedure. The following morning they arrive at the physician’s office where they are prepped for the procedure. This includes attaching the sensor array to the patient’s abdomen and the data recorder to a belt around the patient’s waist. Once this has been accomplished the patient will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill. The patient can resume daily activities once he or she has successfully swallowed the PillCam video capsule. After 8 hours the patient returns to the physician’s office to return the device at which time images are downloaded to a workstation for review and diagnosis. The pill passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within 24 hours.
Please select any of the links below to access the
appropriate form.
Patient Instructions for PillCam Small Bowel
Capsule Endoscopy
Instructions for patients with Diabetes
Given Clear Liquid Diet Sheet
Agile
Patency Capsule Procedure Consent Form
