Capsule Endoscopy
What is a video capsule endoscopy?
The purpose of and video capsule endoscopy is to look for inflammation, ulcers, growth, or vascular abnormalities of the small intestine. During the exam, camera within a capsule is swallowed which will take pictures from the esophagus, stomach and the entire small intestine. Wireless video endoscopy or video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a noninvasive technology designed primarily to provide diagnostic imaging of the small intestine, an anatomic site that has proven peculiarly difficult to visualize.
What is a video capsule endoscopy?
The purpose of and video capsule endoscopy is to look for inflammation, ulcers, growth, or vascular abnormalities of the small intestine. During the exam, camera within a capsule is swallowed which will take pictures from the esophagus, stomach and the entire small intestine. Wireless video endoscopy or video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a noninvasive technology designed primarily to provide diagnostic imaging of the small intestine, an anatomic site that has proven peculiarly difficult to visualize.
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Why do we need to video capsule endoscopy?
The indications for VCE of the small bowel are evolving and include:
1. Diagnosis of the site of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in adults including iron deficiency anemia.
2. Suspected Crohn's disease.
3. Suspected Small bowel tumors and surveillance in patients with polyposis syndromes.
4. Suspected or refractory malabsorptive syndromes such as celiac disease.
5. In addition, VCE is being used to detect small bowel injury associated with the use of NSAIDs, and evaluate abdominal pain of unclear etiology.
What to expect during a video capsule endoscopy?
A process of small bowel cleansing takes place one night before the procedure. Patients are usually required to clean out their small intestine via a liquid diet and taking a laxative called Miralax. The preparation is not as vigorous as colonoscopy.
The day of video capsule endoscopy, you will arrive to Dr. Rahimi’s office. There is no sedation will be given. Therefore, the patient may not have to have a driver after procedure.
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