Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic test for gastrointestinal problems. Patients swallow a small camera capsule and wear adhesive patches to record images as the capsule travels through the digestive tract. The test is used to diagnose unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Patients may need to take a laxative and fast before the test. After the test, the doctor reviews the images to diagnose and plan treatment.
A capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic test used to visualize the gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal tract. Unlike a traditional endoscopy, this test requires an individual to swallow a video capsule. The capsule is about the size of a large pill and contains a small camera. Typically, the test involves taking photographs of the digestive tract as the capsule makes its way through the patient’s body. Patients typically have wired adhesive patches attached to their abdomen and wear a recording device to store images for the duration of the test.
If an individual complains to their doctor about gastrointestinal symptoms, they may be referred for this type of test to pinpoint the problem. Symptoms may include unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, a change in bowel habits, or frequent stomach pain. If less invasive tests have failed to pinpoint the cause of these problems, a capsule endoscopy is done. The test closely examines the small intestine, starting with the duodenum. This is the first portion of the small intestine.
To prepare for a capsule endoscopy, a patient may be asked to take a laxative to empty the contents of the bowel. You may also be asked to fast from food and liquids for a certain amount of time before the test. In most cases, the endoscopy will begin with the patient visiting a doctor’s office to receive the capsule containing the camera. After the capsule has been safely swallowed, the patient can be free to go about their day as usual. The capsule will work on its own, taking many pictures over the course of several hours as it travels down your esophagus, into your stomach, and through your digestive system.
Physicians generally advise patients on what activities, if any, should be avoided while participating in this test. Most people will be advised to avoid particularly strenuous activities. The healthcare professional can also inform the patient when it is possible to start drinking liquids and consuming foods again. In most cases, patients will need to wait a certain number of hours after swallowing the capsule for both to do. Capsule endoscopy is generally considered to be done after a set number of hours or once the capsule has naturally passed out of the person’s body.
After a capsule endoscopy, the patient will return to the doctor’s office to receive the test results. The doctor will collect the adhesive patches containing the wires and the data logger to review the photographs taken. The images produced by the test can be used to diagnose diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Once the diagnosis is made, the doctor can plan a treatment method for the patient.
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