Here you can find information to help you better understand your options if you are considering use the capsule endoscopy to check for your
Capsule Endoscopy is a breakthrough medical innovation for the gastrointestinal diagnosis. This kind of endoscopy can examine the deepest area of the small intestine that the typical endoscope cannot access. It results the accurate, intensive, precise, and efficient examination.
The capsule is the size and shape of a pill and contains a tiny camera, as well as, a patient can swallow it safely. During the procedure, the patient will be instructed to swallow the capsule with a mouthful of water. After that, the capsule will pass naturally through your digestive tract from esophagus, stomach, small intestine and will end at large intestine. The capsule is collected after being excreted and the images interpreted. The process is not harmful at all. The procedure is approximately 7 hours. The capsule can visualize for 2 images per second and 50,000 images in total.
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule Endoscopy is a breakthrough medical innovation for the gastrointestinal diagnosis. This kind of endoscopy can examine the deepest area of the small intestine that the typical endoscope cannot access. It results the accurate, intensive, precise, and efficient examination.
The capsule is the size and shape of a pill and contains a tiny camera, as well as, a patient can swallow it safely. During the procedure, the patient will be instructed to swallow the capsule with a mouthful of water. After that, the capsule will pass naturally through your digestive tract from esophagus, stomach, small intestine and will end at large intestine. The capsule is collected after being excreted and the images interpreted. The process is not harmful at all. The procedure is approximately 7 hours. The capsule can visualize for 2 images per second and 50,000 images in total.
Benefits/Alternatives
- The capsule is easily swallowed
- It is painless and sedation free during the procedure
- The patient can relax in comfort and walk about, without a hospital stay
- Exposure to potentially harmful radiation does not occur
- Additional investigations can often be avoided
Risks
Capsule Endoscopy is usually used when other methods such as: Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy and/or Enteroscopy have failed to provide a diagnosis. Alternatives like Double Balloon Enteroscopy involve passing a long endoscope all the way down in to the small bowel. This is more invasive and carries a greater risk.
Risks – Capsule endoscopy is a well-tolerated and safe procedure and side effects are rare. To date, more than 400,000 examinations have been performed worldwide. The main risk is capsule retention, which is estimated to occur in less than 0.75% of cases. In the rare instances when this occurs, an endoscopy or an operation may be required to remove the capsule.
Remark:
- This information should not be used as a substitute to consultation from a physician. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
- The service center is Gastrointestinal & Liver Center of Bangkok Hospital Phuket.
- If you have any enquiry or want to make appointment, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
