Capsule endoscopy
Find a GI specialistThe thought of swallowing a camera may seem surprising and confusing, but it’s a routine part of a capsule endoscopy. If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) issues, your doctor will often recommend this common procedure as a way to determine larger issues at play.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy uses an ingestible capsule about the size of a large vitamin pill that contains a tiny camera. It takes thousands of pictures as it passes through the digestive system. Specifically, capsule endoscopies are excellent at finding issues in your small intestine.
Your doctor then looks at the pictures to see what may be causing your gastrointestinal problems.
What’s the difference between a capsule endoscopy and an endoscopy?
The main difference between an endoscopy and a capsule endoscopy is the method of the procedure. An endoscopy places a long, thin tube (endoscope) into your body to take pictures and videos to help your provider diagnose various gastrointestinal disorders. A capsule endoscopy also relies on a camera, but it’s in the form of a digestible pill.
The most common endoscopies are colonoscopies, upper endoscopies and laparoscopies. An endoscopy also requires sedation and is more invasive whereas a capsule endoscopy is noninvasive.
Conventional endoscopies are often used for biopsies, cancer screenings and specific treatments like fixing a stomach ulcer. Capsule endoscopies are often used for diagnosing rather than treating conditions.
What conditions can be diagnosed using capsule endoscopy?
Your provider can order a capsule endoscopy for a number of reasons. Normally, it’s to check for the diseases and conditions such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea and other bowel problems
- Tumor, including cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Celiac disease
- A polyp syndrome
- Abdominal problems that haven't been diagnosed with other testing
What are the benefits of a capsule endoscopy?
The main benefit of a capsule endoscopy is that it’s a noninvasive, outpatient procedure that doesn’t require sedation or significant recovery. It’s also a relatively short, painless procedure.
What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
Complications from a capsule endoscopy are rare, but they can happen. If you experience any of the following problems after your procedure, contact your provider right away:
- Chest pain
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Fever
- Trouble swallowing
- Vomiting
If your intestines are blocked or narrow, there’s a risk the capsule could get stuck during a capsule endoscopy. If this happens, you may need surgery to remove the capsule, but this is rare.
A capsule endoscopy requires swallowing a tiny capsule with a camera that takes pictures as it moves through your digestive system.
What to expect during a capsule endoscopy procedure
Before a capsule endoscopy, you’ll be asked not to eat anything and to drink only clear liquids the day before. You’ll be instructed to stop taking any oral medications the morning of the procedure. This helps make sure your digestive system is clear.
During the capsule endoscopy, your GI nurse places a belt with sensors around your waist. The sensors send signals to a recorder worn at your waist. You’ll then swallow a capsule about the size of a large vitamin, which is coated, so it’s easier to swallow. You won’t be able to feel the capsule as it travels through your digestive tract.
After swallowing the capsule, you’ll go home wearing the belt and recorder around your waist. Usually, you’ll return the next day to return the belt and recorder. Your doctor connects the recorder to a computer and looks at video images of your digestive system to check for problems.
Recovering from a capsule endoscopy
After you swallow the capsule, you won’t eat or drink for two to four hours. After that, you can drink clear liquids, eat a light snack and resume taking medications. You should also avoid intense activity for the day.
The capsule typically passes through your system within 24 hours. You may or may not be able to see it, and it can be flushed and disposed of safely. Once you’ve passed the capsule, you’ll remove the recorder and bring it to your follow-up appointment.
Contact your doctor if you do not see the capsule pass in your bowel movement and you develop any unexplained symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, distended abdomen (stiff belly) or pain.
You should not have an MRI for 30 days after a capsule endoscopy.
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