A medical test used to view the digestive system. The patient swallows a capsule-like device that contains a tiny camera. What is capsule endoscopy?? It takes thousands of images as it moves through the digestive system, and these images are transferred to a recorder outside the body. Capsule endoscopy is an effective method for detecting diseases of the small intestine in particular. It is less invasive than other types of endoscopy. The test is an important tool in the diagnosis of digestive system diseases.
In Which Situations Is Capsule Endoscopy Performed?
Bleeding in the small intestine is often not detected by traditional endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy is used to detect hidden bleeding in this area. It is an important tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The lesions and inflammation caused by these diseases in the small intestine can be visualized in detail. It is effective in detecting polyps and tumors in the small intestine.
It is used especially in patients with suspected small bowel cancer. It is preferred when other tests used in the diagnosis of celiac disease are inadequate. Villus atrophy and inflammation in the small intestine can be observed. In chronic abdominal pain whose cause cannot be determined with the traditional method, the problem is detected. Occult bleeding causing iron deficiency anemia can be detected. It is especially used to find the source of blood loss in the gastrointestinal system. Capsule endoscopy can be used in the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease and in monitoring after treatment. It is also preferred to check whether ulcers are healing.
How is Capsule Endoscopy Done?
The day before the procedure, patients usually have to eat a liquid diet and use laxatives to cleanse the intestines. This allows the digestive system to be viewed more clearly by the capsule. If it is to be done in the morning, the patient should not eat anything from midnight. If the procedure is to be done in the afternoon, it is sufficient to fast for at least 8 hours. The patient swallows a capsule with a small camera on it with water. The capsule travels through the digestive system and continuously sends images to an external recorder.
The capsule takes many pictures every second as it travels through the digestive system. These pictures are transmitted to a receiver attached to the patient's waist and stored there. Patients can continue their normal daily activities during capsule endoscopy. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity and magnetic fields. It takes about 8 hours and the images collected during this time are analyzed by the doctor. The capsule is naturally eliminated from the body. The doctor examines the pictures. Then determines if there is an abnormality in the digestive system. He/she provides a report to the patient.
Things to Consider After Capsule Endoscopy
You may need to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours after the procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions. Choose light, easy-to-digest foods for your first meal. Avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity after the procedure. It is important to rest and not strain your body. Stay away from devices that contain magnetic fields, such as MRIs, while the capsule is in your body. Magnetic fields can affect the capsule's function.
If you have a pacemaker or other medical device in your body, be sure to inform your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate whether such devices will interact with capsule endoscopy. Continue to monitor your symptoms for the period determined by your doctor. If you notice abdominal pain, bloating, bleeding, or any other abnormal symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Wait until the capsule is naturally eliminated from your body. It is usually eliminated through the intestines within 24-48 hours. Make sure it has left the body.
If the capsule does not come out within a certain period of time, you may need to see your doctor. The results are usually evaluated by your doctor within a few days. Talk to your doctor to learn about the results and to create an additional test or treatment plan if needed.
Use the medications and recommended treatment given by your doctor regularly. Consult your doctor before starting a new medication. The points to be considered after the procedure are important to increase the success of the procedure. What is capsule endoscopy? It is very important to follow all your doctor's recommendations and instructions in order to protect your health.
