Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule Endoscopy is an amazing medical advancement approved by the FDA and in use at DRMC. A pill-sized diagnostic device equipped with a tiny video camera is ingested to visualize the inside of the small intestine and determine the cause for abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia. During its voyage through the intestinal tract, the camera takes pictures every two seconds and transmits about 50,000 images for viewing by a gastroenterologist trained in the procedure.
The capsule procedure requires minimal preparation as compared to most other gastrointestinal procedures. However, this will depend on other medical conditions. Preparation usually involves ingesting a clear liquid diet the day before the test and an overnight fast the night before the test.
The patient wears a belt that contains both a battery and a data recorder. In addition, leads will be placed on the abdomen, similar to how leads are hooked up during an EKG. Once the equipment is hooked up, the patient will ingest the capsule. The patient can eat four hours after the capsule is ingested, and will return after 8 hours to have the leads unhooked. In most cases, the capsule will pass anywhere from one to three days after its ingestion. The capsule is disposable.
Studies have shown that this capsule endoscopy is safe and effective. It is offered on an outpatient basis, and is usually covered by insurance. DRMC is the first community hospital in the region offering the capsule capability.
Capsule Endoscopy is an amazing medical advancement approved by the FDA and in use at DRMC. A pill-sized diagnostic device equipped with a tiny video camera is ingested to visualize the inside of the small intestine and determine the cause for abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia. During its voyage through the intestinal tract, the camera takes pictures every two seconds and transmits about 50,000 images for viewing by a gastroenterologist trained in the procedure.
The capsule procedure requires minimal preparation as compared to most other gastrointestinal procedures. However, this will depend on other medical conditions. Preparation usually involves ingesting a clear liquid diet the day before the test and an overnight fast the night before the test.
The patient wears a belt that contains both a battery and a data recorder. In addition, leads will be placed on the abdomen, similar to how leads are hooked up during an EKG. Once the equipment is hooked up, the patient will ingest the capsule. The patient can eat four hours after the capsule is ingested, and will return after 8 hours to have the leads unhooked. In most cases, the capsule will pass anywhere from one to three days after its ingestion. The capsule is disposable.
Studies have shown that this capsule endoscopy is safe and effective. It is offered on an outpatient basis, and is usually covered by insurance. DRMC is the first community hospital in the region offering the capsule capability.
