Capsule Endoscopy in the Bronx, NY
A pill-sized camera that captures images of the small intestine, an area other scopes can't reach.
Image: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH
What Is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy uses a small, swallowable camera capsule to capture thousands of images as it travels naturally through the small intestine — an area that traditional endoscopy and colonoscopy can't fully reach.
Why Is It Done? (Indications)
- Investigating unexplained GI bleeding
- Evaluating suspected Crohn's disease in the small intestine
- Further workup after inconclusive endoscopy or colonoscopy
How to Prepare
Step 1
Fasting for several hours before swallowing the capsule
Step 2
Wearing a small recording device for about 8 hours
Step 3
Avoiding strenuous activity during the recording period
How It's Performed
You'll swallow the capsule, which is about the size of a large vitamin, and go about a modified version of your day while it records images and transmits them to the recorder you wear.
What Happens After (Recovery)
Brief rest as sedation wears off
Resume normal diet and activity
Results reviewed with your doctor
There's no sedation involved, so you can resume most normal activities immediately. The capsule passes naturally within a day or two, and images are reviewed afterward by your gastroenterologist.
Risks
- Rare capsule retention in patients with strictures
- No sedation-related risks, since none is used
Reviewed by Dr. Anthony Marchetti, MDDoctors Who Perform This Procedure
Dr. Anthony Marchetti, MDMedical Director, Gastroenterology
Benefits
- Visualizes the small intestine without incisions or sedation
- Noninvasive and well-tolerated
- Can identify sources of bleeding other tests miss