Capsule Endoscopy in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is performed using a small wireless camera that takes pictures of the digestive tract. A capsule endoscopy camera sits inside a capsule the size of a vitamin capsule. As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are sent to a tape recorder that you wear on a belt around your waist.
Capsule endoscopy helps doctors see inside the small intestine – an area that cannot be easily accessed with traditional endoscopic procedures that involve passing a long, flexible tube fitted with a video camera into your throat or rectum.
Why is capsule endoscopy performed?
- To find the cause of unexplained bleeding in the small intestine.
- To diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease.
- To detect and diagnose tumors in the small intestine or other parts of the digestive tract.
- To diagnose and monitor an immune reaction to eating gluten.
- To examine the esophagus and look for abnormal and enlarged veins (varicose veins).
- To scan for polyps in people who have inherited syndromes that can cause polyps in the small intestine.
- Follow-up testing after an X-ray or other imaging exam. If the imaging test results are unclear or inconclusive, your doctor may recommend a capsule endoscopy so that he can obtain more information.
What are the risks and complications of capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure; however, in some rare cases, the capsule may settle in the digestive tract instead of leaving the body through a bowel movement within a few days.
If the capsule does not pass in stool but does not cause any signs or symptoms, your doctor may wait a longer period for the capsule to leave your body. However, the capsule that causes signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction must be removed, either by surgery or by a conventional endoscopy procedure, depending on the location of the capsule.
How to prepare for a capsule endoscopy?
- Your doctor will ask you to follow some steps as you prepare for your capsule endoscopy. Failure to observe these instructions may delay your capsule endoscopy.
- Your doctor will ask you to stop eating and drinking at least 12 hours before the procedure.
- In some cases, your doctor may ask you to take a laxative before performing a capsule endoscopy. To clean the small intestine. This has been shown to improve the quality of the images collected by the capsule camera.
- Your doctor may ask you not to take certain medications before the procedure to prevent the medication from interfering with the camera.
What to expect during capsule endoscopy?
- On the day of the capsule endoscopy, you may be asked to remove your shirt so that adhesive patches can be attached to your abdomen. Each patch contains an antenna with wires that connect to a recorder. Some devices do not require these patches to be attached.
- Once the recorder is connected and configured, you can swallow the camera capsule with water. The lubricant covering the capsule makes it easier to swallow.
- After that, you will spend your day as usual. You can drive, and you may be able to go to work, depending on your job. Your doctor will discuss with you the restrictions – for example, avoiding stressful physical activity, such as running and jumping.
- Wait 2 hours after swallowing the capsule before drinking clear liquids. After four hours, you can have a light lunch or snack unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- The capsule endoscopy process is completed after eight hours, or when you see the camera capsule in the toilet after a bowel movement, whichever comes first. You can then remove the taped patches and the recorder from your body, pack it in a bag, and follow your doctor’s instructions to return the equipment.
- Once the process is finished, your body may expel the camera capsule within hours or several days later. Everyone’s digestive system is different. If you do not see the capsule in the toilet within two weeks, contact your doctor. Your doctor may request an X-ray to see if the capsule is still in your body.
When can I get the result of capsule endoscopy?
The camera used in capsule endoscopy takes thousands of color images as they pass through your digestive system. The images saved on a recording device are transferred to a computer with dedicated software that sequences the images together to create a video. Your doctor watches the video to look for abnormalities in your digestive system.
It can take a few days, up to a week, or longer to receive the results of capsule endoscopy.
