Capsule Endoscopy in St. Louis, MO
What is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy is an endoscopic process wherein a pill-sized capsule, (which contains a camera and battery), is ingested by the patient and is then used to take many photos of the small bowel or intestine. Approximately 60,000 photos are taken, which, when put together, essentially provide a “movie” of the patient’s small bowel.
At Specialists in Gastroenterology, a small bowel capsule endoscopy procedure is commonly performed to discover the cause of inexplicable anemia or bleeding. It could be conducted to evaluate the small bowel to further evaluate an atypical x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Contact our gastroenterology providers in St. Louis, MO to schedule a capsule endoscopy to ensure the health of your intestinal system is protected.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You will receive clear instructions from your GI specialists on how to prepare for your capsule endoscopy. Most patients will be permitted to follow their normal eating habits the day before the procedure. You will be instructed not to take anything via your mouth any later than 7 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is of the utmost importance to follow the directions given to you by your specialist. There may also be additional instructions regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications will be resumed a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, in specific situations, like those of individuals on blood thinners (such as Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, special instructions will be provided.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will not be required to undergo sedation during the exam. You will be asked to rest on your side, and a Specialists in Gastroenterology technician will gradually place a small pliable tube through the anal sphincter and into the rectum. You may feel moderately uncomfortable, though, you should not feel pain. Measurements will be done based on the response of your inner muscles and explained by your GI provider. The procedure can take approximately 10 to 20 minutes, and you will discuss your results with your GI physician immediately following the procedure. Following your anorectal manometry test in St. Louis, MO, you would be allowed to go home and continue your regular diet and schedule.
When will I receive the results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once the procedure is complete, the images received from the capsule will be downloaded to a computer program that creates a “movie” of your small intestine. It could take your provider a number of hours to fully view these images. Results are generally available within a week and your provider’s office will contact you to come in and discuss your results.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
In general, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is quite a safe procedure. Statistically, complications occur in fewer than 1% of individuals. The majority of complications are not life-threatening, still, in the event that a complication does occur, it could require hospitalization and surgery. Before the capsule endoscopy exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by the Specialists in Gastroenterology nursing staff.
One potential risk is that the pill capsule could get lodged in the intestine, causing an obstruction. This would generally lead to hospitalization and surgery.
It is imperative to call your provider’s office promptly if any symptoms develop after the capsule endoscopy, such as increased abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Just like any other medical test, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a small, acknowledged risk that issues, such as cancers, may go undetected during the procedure. It is important to maintain follow-ups with your specialist and inform them of any persistent or new symptoms.
Are there alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain degree, any alternate options to the capsule endoscopy exam will depend on why you are getting small bowel capsule endoscopy in the first place. In the majority of cases, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the ideal approach to evaluate abnormalities in the small bowel. However, an x-ray referred to as a small-bowel-follow-through can examine the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy procedure can also be used to evaluate the upper portion of the small intestine and can be used for treatment.
