Capsule endoscopic

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive imaging technique used mainly for the study of the small intestine. Its appearance has meant a breakthrough in the study of the digestive system, since it is possible to observe the entire digestive tract and diagnose lesions and problems that until then went unnoticed.

It is a method that is highly accepted by patients and totally invasive and is especially useful for studies of non-filial anemia, bleeding of unknown origin or for monitoring patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

What does a capsule endoscopy consist of?

Capsule endoscopy is a technique that allows observation of the small intestine by means of a microcamera, which the patient has previously swallowed in a tablet.

Capsule endoscopy allows observation of the digestive tract and small intestine without causing discomfort or injury, but does not allow intervention or sampling, as in the case of endoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound.

After having passed the fasting period, the patient will ingest the capsule, which does not require any type of hospital admission. The capsule will move through the body thanks to the stomach’s own contractions. One to two days later. It is expelled naturally through the anus.

Why is an endoscopic capsule performed?

Capsule endoscopy is used for the following problems or diseases:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin.
  • Chronic anemia with previous normal endoscopic studies.
  • Recurrent episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Small bowel neoplasms
  • Celiac disease
  • Tumor or suspicion of a tumor in the intestine
  • Intestinal malabsorption
  • Unexplained chronic abdominal pain
  • Hereditary polyposis syndromes
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Preparation for capsule endoscopy

Some of the points to keep in mind for an endoscopic capsule test are the following:

  • Residue-free diet for at least three days before the test.
  • Liquid diet the day before
  • Avoidance of iron-containing medications for at least ten days prior to the test.
  • 24 hours before the test, the patient should ingest a purgative solution to achieve an adequate intestinal cleansing.
  • Come at least eight hours fasting.

Capsule endoscopy

What does the test feel like?

As this is a minimally invasive test, the patient does not feel anything during the test.

Significance of abnormal results

Capsule endoscopy is used in order to discover problems or pathologies present in the intestine. In the event that the capsule does not identify any problems, it means that the patient’s gastrointestinal tract is not affected.

However, during the test, different negative results can be observed: Crohn’s disease, intestinal bleeding, neoplasms, anemias…

Advances in capsule endoscopy

If the professional suspects that there is an intestinal occlusion, there is a new type of capsule that is resorbable in nature, which, about 48 hours after ingestion, falls apart and eliminates itself without causing any discomfort to the person who ingests it.