Pill Cam Capsule Endoscopy
A PillCam™, or capsule endoscopy, is a modern, non-invasive procedure that helps doctors see inside your small intestine. The Pill Cam is a small, vitamin-sized capsule with a tiny wireless camera. When you swallow it, the capsule travels through your digestive tract, taking thousands of high-resolution pictures. These images are sent to a recorder you wear around your waist, allowing doctors to see parts of the small intestine that are hard to reach with regular endoscopy.
Benefits of PillCam™
- Non-Invasive: No need for sedation or instruments through your mouth or rectum.
- Comprehensive Imaging: Provides detailed pictures of the small intestine.
- Patient Comfort: Continue daily activities while the capsule works.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Helps diagnose Crohn's disease, celiac disease, tumors and hidden bleeding.
Why It’s Done
Capsule endoscopy is used to diagnose and monitor various gastrointestinal issues, including:
- Bleeding in the Small Intestine: Finding the source of unexplained bleeding.
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Identifying inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Cancer Detection: Spotting tumors in the small intestine or other digestive areas.
- Celiac Disease: Diagnosing and monitoring celiac disease by seeing changes in the small intestine lining.
- Esophagus Examination: Checking for conditions like varices (enlarged veins).
- Polyp Screening: Detecting polyps in families with syndromes that cause small intestine polyps.
- Follow-Up Testing: Providing more information when other imaging tests are unclear.
During the Procedure:
Swallowing the Capsule: Swallow the PillCam™ with water. It’s coated to make swallowing easier.
Wearing the Recorder: Wear a recorder on a belt around your waist. The capsule sends images to this recorder as it moves through your digestive tract. The recorder is typically worn for 8-12 hours. The procedure is done once you have a bowel movement.
Normal Activities: Go about your day but avoid strenuous activities like running or heavy lifting.
After the Procedure:
Completion: The procedure ends after eight hours or when you see the capsule in the toilet after a bowel movement.
Returning Equipment: Return the recorder and patches as instructed. The capsule does not need to be returned.
When to Call Your Doctor
If the capsule hasn’t passed within two weeks or if you have symptoms of a blockage, call your doctor.
Risks
Capsule endoscopy is safe with minimal risks. However, there’s a small chance the capsule could get stuck in the digestive tract, especially if you have narrow areas due to conditions like tumors or Crohn’s disease. If the capsule causes symptoms of a blockage, surgery or traditional endoscopy might be needed to remove it. Talk to your doctor to determine if the PillCam™ procedure is right for you.
Results
The images from the PillCam™ are sent to a computer, creating a video for a healthcare professional to review. Your results might take a few days to a week or more to arrive. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary follow-up tests or treatments.
General Preparation Instructions for Gastrointestinal Procedures
Each gastrointestinal procedure requires specific preparations to ensure your safety and the success of the treatment. Here are some general guidelines:
- Fasting: Avoid food and drinks, including water, for several hours, or more as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Medications: You may need to adjust or pause certain medications. Follow the specific directions given by your doctor.
- Bowel Prep: Some procedures require clearing the intestines using either a liquid solution or pills containing laxatives. Procedures like colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and PillCam capsule endoscopy typically require this type of preparation.
Please consult your doctor for detailed preparation instructions tailored to your health needs and the specific procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
Scheduling your appointment is through your gastroenterologist or by physician referral to one of our gastroenterologists.
Please contact your Gastroenterologist's office to schedule an exam/appointment. Contact us at 909.865.9141 for inquiries or questions.
If you do not have a primary care physician, please visit our website, mypvhc.com, to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician.
