Capsule endoscopy
It is an endoscopic examination of the small intestine by means of swallowing a mini camera (size of the capsule – about 10 mm long). It is applied for:
- diagnostics of diseases of the small intestine
- searching of haemorrhage in the small intestine in case of anaemia/blood loss
- diagnostics of benign or malignant tumours in the small intestine
- clarification of expansion and activity in case of chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease).
What does the examination look like and what should I pay attention to?
During capsule endoscopy, the entire small intestine is being examined by means of a “photo capsule” with approximately 2 pictures per second. It is necessary to clean the intestine the day before the procedure (similar to colonoscopy), in order to examine the small intestine in a better way. It is allowed to the patient to have a light lunch the day before the planned procedure, after that he can only take in liquids (soups, drinks). As a rule, laxative measures will be taken in the afternoon the day before the procedure. Your general practitioner will prescribe you a relevant laxative or you will receive it from our endoscopic department.
After 22:00 of the evening before the examination, it is necessary to observe the fasting rules. With corresponding indication, the procedure itself is safe and not straining. In rare cases with existing, but previously unknown narrowing of intestine (stenosis), the capsule can get stuck, so that surgery is required. On the examination day, the patient will be provided with a carrying strap for the recording apparatus and with batteries. In addition to that, electrodes will be adjusted to the abdomen.
It is allowed to eat again in about 4 hours after swallowing the capsule. The examination is completed after about 8 hours. During the examination, the patient can move freely. The capsule will be removed from the body during a bowel movement some time later; it will be no longer needed.
