 PROCEDURES
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Video Capsule EndoscopyCapsule endoscopy is a patient-friendly medical procedure that allows physicians to visualize parts of the GI tract without using a traditional scope. In order to undergo a capsule endoscopy procedure, a patient will swallow a disposable, capsule-sized camera that sends digital images to a sensor in a belt worn around the waist as it travels down the esophagus or through the 23 feet of the small intestine. Patients undergoing a capsule endoscopy procedure to visualize the small bowel will come in to swallow the PillCam and receive the sensor belt in the morning and then are free to go about their daily activities. The patient can drop off the belt at the end of the day. The PillCam video capsule passes naturally with a bowel movement, usually within 24 hours. More than 1 million patients worldwide have swallowed capsule endoscopes. PillCam SB is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for visualization of the entire small bowel and is the standard of care for detecting small bowel abnormalities. The clinical value of PillCam SB as a tool in detecting small bowel abnormalities is demonstrated by more than 1,200 peer-reviewed clinical papers. Patients typically begin fasting at midnight the day before the procedure. The following morning the patient will arrive at the doctor’s office to be prepped for the procedure. The nurse will fit the patient with a comfortable belt (SensorBelt) containing sensors, with easy-fasten straps for quick adjustments and removal. After being fitted with the belt, the patient will be given a glass of water to help swallow the vitamin-sized pill. After the patient has successfully swallowed the PillCam video capsule, they will be able to resume daily activities. After eight hours, the patient will return to the physician’s office with the SensorBelt and DataRecorder. The physician will then download images from the DataRecorder for review. Warning: Please inform this office in advance if the patient has congestive heart failure, kidney failure, chronic constipation, or has had an inadequate bowel preparation for a previous colonoscopy.
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