Capsule Endoscopy in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves an endoscopic process where a pill or capsule, which has a camera and a battery, is ingested by the patient and then utilized to take a series of photos of the small bowel or intestine. An estimated 60,000 images are captured, which, when put together, in essence, provide a "movie" of the small bowel.
At Digestive Health Center, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is typically performed to identify the primary reason for inexplicable bleeding or anemia. It could be conducted to look at the small bowel to extensively assess an abnormal x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Contact our GI providers in Ocean Springs, MS to request a capsule endoscopy to ensure your intestinal health is preserved.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
Instructions will be given to you by your GI provider regarding the necessary preparations for your capsule endoscopy. In most cases, patients will be permitted to eat normally the day before the procedure. You will likely receive instructions not to ingest anything orally any later than 7:00 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is crucial to follow the guidelines provided to you by your digestive health specialist. There will likely also be supplemental instructions regarding your medications. In most situations, your medications will be continued as usual a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, individual instructions may be given in some circumstances, specifically for individuals on blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and those with diabetes.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be asked to enter the office or endoscopy center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure. This provides time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the capsule endoscopy procedure. You will be asked to wear a vest holding the monitors that will receive the transmitted images. Once the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated, and you will be instructed to swallow it.
After the pill capsule is swallowed, you will be able to leave the endoscopy unit. You will keep the vest on for the next eight hours. You will be allowed to consume clear liquids once two hours have elapsed and can eat a regular meal after four hours. Once eight hours have passed, you will return to the endoscopy office, and the vest will be removed. To hear more about having a capsule endoscopy in Ocean Springs, MS, please request a consultation with one of our local GI providers at your earliest convenience.
When will I receive the results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once the procedure is completed, the images retrieved from the capsule will be downloaded to a computer program that generates a "movie" of your small intestine. It can take the specialist many hours to carefully review these pictures. Procedure results are typically available within a week. Your specialist's office will typically contact you with your capsule endoscopy results.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
In general, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is an extremely safe procedure. Statistically, complications develop in less than 1% of patients. Generally, these complications are not life-threatening. However, if a complication does occur, it might require hospitalization and/or surgery. Prior to the capsule endoscopy exam, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the Digestive Health Center nursing staff.
One potential risk is that the pill capsule could get caught in the intestinal tract, resulting in a blockage. This would typically lead to surgery and hospitalization.
It is of the utmost importance to contact your provider's office immediately if any symptoms arise following the capsule endoscopy, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
As with any other medical procedure, a small bowel capsule endoscopy may not be perfect. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that conditions, including cancers, can go undetected during the procedure. It is essential to follow up with your provider as instructed and to make them aware of any new or ongoing symptoms.
Are there alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain degree, any alternatives to this test will depend on the reason for needing a small bowel capsule endoscopy. In most instances, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the most effective method for evaluating irregularities in the small bowel. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through might also be utilized to survey the small intestine. An enteroscopy exam can also be used to evaluate the upper part of the small intestine and may also be utilized for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment to assist you
To get a noninvasive examination of your small bowel, request a consultation at Digestive Health Center. Capsule endoscopy is just one of the many ways our Ocean Springs, MS gastroenterologists will do everything possible to ensure your health is kept secure throughout all stages of life.
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