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Capsule Endoscopy

This procedure involves ingesting a small (about the size of a large vitamin pill) Given Imaging M2A Capsule, which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of the intestine.

The images are transmitted to the SensorArray which is placed on your abdomen. The SensorArray is attached to a walkman-like Given DataRecorder which saves all the images. The DataRecorder is located in the RecorderBelt, which is worn around your waist.

After eight hours, you will remove the RecorderBelt and return it to your physician for processing.

The M2A Capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. In the rare case that it will not be excreted naturally, it will need to be removed endoscopically or surgically.

What to Expect

Patients are asked to wear a cotton t-shirt to their appointment. Once you arrive at the clinic or office, a medical assistant will prepare you for a Capsule Endoscopy by placing a sensor belt around the abdomen. The belt is connected to the recording device. The recorder is placed in a sleeve with a strap and that is then placed around the shoulder. You will be given a pill-sized capsule to swallow. The Capsule Endoscope will pass naturally through your digestive tract. As it travels through your body, it will transmit video images to the data recorder you’ll be wearing. You will have to wear the data recorder on your belt or in your pocket for about eight hours. After the appropriate time has elapsed, and the capsule is excreted, you will return to the doctor’s office to have the data recorder removed. The images of your small bowel will be uploaded to a computer screen so the physician can review them. For most people, the test is comfortable. You should not go near an MRI device while undergoing this test.

Applicable Conditions

Colon Cancer
Iron Deficiency Anemia
GI Bleed

You will need an empty stomach to ensure the most accurate and safe results. The doctor will give you more information about when and what you can eat and drink. Usually, you cannot eat for 12 hours leading up to the exam. Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should start to fast.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are presently taking. Include prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, or homeopathic remedies. He may suggest a dosage change prior to the test, or he may ask you to refrain from taking them for a day or two before the Capsule Endoscopy is scheduled. Some medications such as iron supplements can stain the walls of the intestines and yield erroneous results.

If the camera catches something suspicious or abnormal, the doctor will see it in the imaging. He may recommend further testing, depending on the nature of the abnormality, or he may recommend a treatment plan for it.

After the capsule has been ingested and two hours have passed, you should be able to drink clear liquids. After four hours the doctor will let you eat a light meal. You’ll need to avoid rigorous activities like running or jumping during the procedure. The doctor should have your test results in about a week although sometimes it can take a bit longer.

Capsule Endoscopy is a safe procedure. However, there is a very small risk that the capsule could get stuck in the GI tract. Although it is unlikely, it could occur in individuals who have conditions that cause inflammation in the GI tract such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Crohn’s Disease. If there is a large tumor or polyp it could block the capsule from passing. Even if the capsule does become stuck, it usually passes on its own eventually. It’s unlikely, but it could cause symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea. In the rare instance that it does become stuck and doesn’t move it would need to be removed surgically.

Capsule Endoscopy

What to Expect

Applicable Conditions

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