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For many years, gastroenterologists had a very difficult time examining the small intestine due to its location and the highly invasive methods that it took to reach the area. Fortunately, advancements in technology have provided a solution to this problem: Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.
The Small Bowel Capsule Study, often referred to as capsule endoscopy, is a non-invasive procedure that allows for a detailed examination of the small intestine. During this procedure, patients swallow a small, pill-sized capsule equipped with a miniature camera. As the capsule travels naturally through the digestive tract, it captures thousands of images that help specialists assess the health of the small intestine, an area otherwise challenging to reach with traditional endoscopy.
A Small Bowel Capsule Study procedure is able to detect all kinds of different abnormalities within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most often, a small bowel capsule endoscopy will be conducted to determine more about:
Doctors recommend a Small Bowel Capsule Study when other imaging methods, like colonoscopy or upper endoscopy, fail to provide conclusive information about small intestine health. This procedure is also commonly used for patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or other unexplained GI symptoms.
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Because the objective of a small bowel capsule endoscopy is to gather insights about the small intestine, it is essential that the pathway is clear so that all information gathered may be as accurate as possible. To results, patients should follow these guidelines before their small bowel endoscopy:
Maintain a liquid-only diet starting 12-24 hours before the procedure.
Refrain from any food or drink starting around midnight on the night before the endoscopy.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure.
Inform your doctor of any medications you’re taking; they may suggest temporary adjustments.
Double check on your insurance coverage for the procedure before coming into the office.
The procedure is simple and stress-free:
The patient swallows the capsule with a glass of water.
As the capsule moves through the GI tract, it captures images of the small intestine.
A small receiver device, which the patient wears, records these images for later analysis.
The capsule naturally exits the body during a bowel movement, typically within 24-48 hours.
Recovery Time After a Small Bowel Capsule Study
Since it’s a non-invasive procedure, there’s no required downtime. Patients can resume normal activities almost immediately, but it’s important to avoid certain activities, like MRI scans, until the capsule has passed naturally.
The Small Bowel Capsule Study is generally safe, but there are minimal risks:
Rarely, the capsule may get temporarily lodged in the digestive tract, especially in patients with strictures or obstructions.
Some patients may feel mild discomfort as the capsule passes.
This comprehensive, non-invasive test provides valuable insights into the small bowel’s health, allowing your GI specialist to identify and treat conditions effectively. If you have GI concerns and are considering a Small Bowel Capsule Study, reach out to GI Solutions to learn more about how we can assist with your digestive health.
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