Endoscopic Capsule

The endoscopic capsule PillCam Colon 2 allows your physician to examine the entire length of the small intestine.

Your physician will ask you to ingest a capsule the size of a vitamin pill that is equipped with a video camera and a light source on each end. The video capsule travels throughout the digestive tract and emits images wirelessly to a receiver that is worn in a belt.

During the 8 hours of duration of the study, you will be able to move freely. The majority of the patients consider this a comfortable procedure.

Posteriorly, your physician will evaluate the video images in a computer monitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What could happen while using the endoscopic capsule?

Your physician will prepare you for the procedure by applying a series of self-adhesive sensors on your abdomen. The endoscopic capsule is ingested with water and will travel natural through the entire length of your digestive tract, transmitting video images to the receiver worn on the belt continuously during approximately 8 hours. You will be able to drink liquids only 4 hours after ingesting the capsule, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It is critical that you consult your physician concerning your specific condition, and discuss potential cardiac problems or issues with coagulation.

How is the capsule eliminated from the body?

The capsule is disposable and moves naturally with normal bowel movements until it is eliminated. You should not feel any discomfort, and will very likely be unaware of the moment it is eliminated.

What are the possible complications of using the endoscopic capsule?

Although complications can occur, these are sporadic when the study is done by trained and experienced physicians in the use of the endoscopic capsule. A potential risk is the retention of the capsule. It is important that you know how to recognize the early symptoms of possible complications. You should inform your physician immediately if you experience fever, difficulty in ingesting food, or gradually increasing pain in your chest or abdomen after the study.

Why is the use of the Endoscopic Capsule indicated?

The endoscopic capsule helps your physician in determining the cause of reoccurring abdominal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, hemorrhage, anemia, and other disorders that afflict the small intestine which have remained undiagnosed by regular endoscopic procedures or colonoscopy.

The endoscopic capsule:

Does not replace a normal endoscopy.
Provides a full visualization of the small intestine.
Complements a normal endoscopy and colonoscopy, and is generally done after a previous endoscopic evaluation.

Preparing for Endoscopic Capsule

5 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

Do not take medication that contains iron or vitamins.
Do not eat nuts, seeds, or cereals.

THE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:

Do not eat or drink dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream, butter).
Take a light breakfast before 8 a.m. (soft-bolied eggs, toast, juice).
Drink copious amounts of clear liquids during the rest of the day and until 9 p.m.
Do not drink red or purple liquids.
Begin fast at 9 p.m.

PREPARING THE DIGESTIVE TRACT:

Your physician will indicate to take a medication the day previous to the study whose function is to increase bowel movements to ensure the digestive tract is as clean as possible to facilitate the procedure.

DAY OF PROCEDURE:

You can drink a glass of water 2 hours before the procedure.
If you need to take any medication, do so at least 2 hours after ingesting the endoscopic capsule.
Use loose, comfortable clothing, preferably 2-pieced.
Do not apply lotion or baby powder on abdomen.