Capsule Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a time tested procedure to help doctors see inside of certain parts of your body - other than x-rays. This can be done through the mouth, urethra, even the anus to find diseases, abnormalities or other issues. A capsule endoscopy is a type of technology that works the same as an endoscopy, and yet tends to be much more comfortable. The capsule, which is essentially still a camera, is quite small, and it can take video photographs of the stomach, small intestine, and esophagus. For this to work, the examiner or doctor will first clean out any food and debris from these sections by giving you a laxative that will help purge any food, drink or debris, much like for a colonoscopy. Then, a capsule is swallowed by the patient. In this capsule there are two video chips which are the cameras, a light bulb, a battery and a radio transmitter.
Sound cool yet? Once swallowed the capsule can then travel through the different parts of the body and take rapid photographs. The picture are then transmitted to the transmitter. At the end of the exam, about 8 hours later, the pictures are then taken from the device and downloaded to a receiver on a computer where the images can be viewed by a doctor. Once the capsule is done being used, the capsule will then pass through your rectum into your waste and flushed down the toilet. Obviously this is such an advanced technology, that it definitely comes with a price tag. But, for some people it can be worth it rather than the traditional way.
What Diseases Can Be Found Using The Capsule Endoscopy Technology?
One of the biggest differences between this forms of endoscopy versus the traditional form, is that this technology can seem very subtle abnormalities as well as larger more obvious abnormalities as well. It’s a very simple, easy and usually pain free way to find diseases, issues or problems inside the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum in a non-invasive setting. Some of the various diseases and issues that can be found by using this advanced technology include but are not limited to:
Angiodysplasias (collections of small blood vessels located just beneath the inner intestinal lining that can bleed intermittently and cause anemia)
Small intestinal tumors such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumor, and small intestinal cancer
Crohn's disease of the small intestine
Preparing For Your Exam
Chances are if you are getting this done, your doctor will probably ask that you:
- Restrict your diet; make sure you only drink and eat clear liquids and foods that won’t interfere with the test. Think water, ginger ale, non-colored jello, etc.
- Stop or delay taking certain medications. Some medications can interfere with the capsule, the camera or a number of other issues regarding the technology. Talk to your doctor if you have medications you need to take every day such as blood pressure medicine or blood thinning medication to find out if you should stop taking them or its okay to continue.
- Avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting. After you swallow the capsule you should be able to return to your normal daily lifestyle without any issues. But, ask your doctor just to make sure.
Failure to do any of these pre-cautions ahead of time and you may be asked to reschedule the exam or take it over again.
Sound cool yet? Once swallowed the capsule can then travel through the different parts of the body and take rapid photographs. The picture are then transmitted to the transmitter. At the end of the exam, about 8 hours later, the pictures are then taken from the device and downloaded to a receiver on a computer where the images can be viewed by a doctor. Once the capsule is done being used, the capsule will then pass through your rectum into your waste and flushed down the toilet. Obviously this is such an advanced technology, that it definitely comes with a price tag. But, for some people it can be worth it rather than the traditional way.
What Diseases Can Be Found Using The Capsule Endoscopy Technology?
One of the biggest differences between this forms of endoscopy versus the traditional form, is that this technology can seem very subtle abnormalities as well as larger more obvious abnormalities as well. It’s a very simple, easy and usually pain free way to find diseases, issues or problems inside the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum in a non-invasive setting. Some of the various diseases and issues that can be found by using this advanced technology include but are not limited to:
Angiodysplasias (collections of small blood vessels located just beneath the inner intestinal lining that can bleed intermittently and cause anemia)
Small intestinal tumors such as lymphoma, carcinoid tumor, and small intestinal cancer
Crohn's disease of the small intestine
Preparing For Your Exam
Chances are if you are getting this done, your doctor will probably ask that you:
- Restrict your diet; make sure you only drink and eat clear liquids and foods that won’t interfere with the test. Think water, ginger ale, non-colored jello, etc.
- Stop or delay taking certain medications. Some medications can interfere with the capsule, the camera or a number of other issues regarding the technology. Talk to your doctor if you have medications you need to take every day such as blood pressure medicine or blood thinning medication to find out if you should stop taking them or its okay to continue.
- Avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting. After you swallow the capsule you should be able to return to your normal daily lifestyle without any issues. But, ask your doctor just to make sure.
Failure to do any of these pre-cautions ahead of time and you may be asked to reschedule the exam or take it over again.