Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows your physician to see deep in your small intestine, which cannot be reached by traditional endoscopy procedures. Images from this procedure can help your provider diagnose unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders.

What to Expect

You will swallow a capsule containing a tiny camera, light source, battery, and wireless transmitter. As the camera travels through your intestinal tract, it takes about 2-6 pictures per second for up to twelve hours, with the images transmitted wirelessly to a receiver worn on your belt. This process can generate more than 50,000 images of your intestinal track and allow your provider to visualize the small intestine.

For the most part, you can go about your normal daily routine, though you may want to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. The capsule will pass through your digestive tract after a day or two and will be flushed down the toilet.

How to Prepare

You should receive instructions prior to your capsule endoscopy; however, please see the Capsule Endoscopy Consent and Capsule Endoscopy Preparation Instructions. You may also find it useful to watch the Capsule Endoscopy Video