Why do doctors find PillCam useful?

The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.

What is the purpose of a small bowel capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy gives your doctor a picture of the inside of your digestive system that cannot be seen through other X-rays. Your gastroenterologist will use the images from this test to look for abnormalities in your small bowel, such as: Bleeding. Polyps.

What are the disadvantages of capsule endoscopy?

RE One disadvantage is that capsule endoscopy is an all-day test, although patients do not usually stay in the hospital to complete it. Another disadvantage is the potential for the capsule to become impacted or lodged within a narrow area or stricture in the small intestine.

Can I drink coffee during capsule endoscopy?

4) Do not disconnect or attempt to remove the equipment. 5) Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours. 7) After 2 hours: you may have clear liquids (water, clear fruit juices, Gatorade, soup, broth, tea or coffee without cream, popsicles, soda, Jell-‐O).

How long do PillCam results take?

Your doctor will normally inform you of the results within a week. You should pass the capsule naturally after 8-72 hours, but it can sometimes take up to two weeks. If you haven’t passed the capsule by this time, an X-ray may need to be performed to see if it is still present or obstructed.

Is capsule endoscopy better than colonoscopy?

Colon capsule endoscopy detected more patients with any neoplastic lesion (regardless of size). Colon capsule endoscopy is superior to CT colonography for detecting patients with significant lesions (i.e. ≥ 6 mm in size at colonoscopy), with a slightly lower specificity.