Small-Bowel Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam™)
Small-bowel capsule endoscopy, also known as PillCam™, is a noninvasive diagnostic test that allows your gastroenterologist to examine areas of the digestive tract that are not reachable with standard endoscopy or colonoscopy. At North Shore Gastroenterology, we perform capsule endoscopy in Westlake and Brooklyn, OH, to evaluate the small intestine for bleeding, inflammation, ulcers, polyps, and other abnormalities. This simple, well-tolerated test uses a vitamin-sized capsule equipped with a miniature camera to capture thousands of images as it moves naturally through the digestive tract.
What Capsule Endoscopy Evaluates?
Capsule endoscopy is often recommended when symptoms or test results suggest conditions that affect the small intestine. It is used to evaluate Celiac disease, unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, suspected Crohn’s disease, chronic diarrhea, iron-deficiency anemia, small-bowel tumors, or areas of inflammation not visible during a routine endoscopy. Because the small intestine is long and difficult to visualize with traditional procedures, the PillCam™ provides a valuable diagnostic view by recording continuous images as it travels through the GI tract.
About the Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will check in at our office, swallow the capsule pill, and be fitted with a small recorder worn at the waist. As the capsule travels through your digestive system over the next eight hours, it captures thousands of images and sends them to the recorder. Two hours after swallowing the capsule, you may begin drinking full liquids, and four hours after ingestion you may eat a light lunch. You may leave the office, resume normal daily activities, and return after eight hours to drop off the recorder.
The capsule itself is disposable and passes naturally in your stool within one to two days. Most patients do not feel the capsule at all once it is swallowed.
Preparation
To ensure the clearest possible images, a short bowel preparation is required. The day before the test, you may eat a light breakfast and lunch. At noon, you will switch to a clear-liquid diet. A small amount of laxative will be taken that afternoon to help cleanse the small intestine. You should not eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours prior to swallowing the capsule.
Your care team will provide detailed preparation instructions and discuss any medications that may need to be adjusted.
After the Test
When you return to our office, the recorder will be removed and the images will be downloaded to a computer. Your gastroenterologist will review the video footage and interpret the findings. These results will be discussed in a follow-up appointment, where your provider will explain any abnormalities and outline next steps or treatment options.
Capsule endoscopy is generally safe and well tolerated. However, it is not recommended for individuals with known intestinal obstructions or strictures, as the capsule may have difficulty passing through narrowed areas of the small bowel.
Capsule Endoscopy (PillCam™) in Westlake & Brooklyn, OH
To learn more about small-bowel capsule endoscopy or determine whether PillCam™ is appropriate for your symptoms, contact North Shore Gastroenterology at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation with one of our GI specialists.
