Capsule Endoscopy
Our outpatient pill-camera procedure offers a painless, non-invasive look into the small intestine. By simply swallowing a disposable, vitamin-sized camera, you provide our team with the vital insights needed to protect your GI health.
Patient Guide: Capsule Endoscopy (Pill Camera)
At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing advanced, patient-centered care. Capsule endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that allows our GI specialists to directly view your entire small intestine and esophagus—areas that traditional endoscopies and colonoscopies can’t always reach.
By simply swallowing a vitamin-sized, disposable capsule equipped with a miniature camera, you provide our team with high-resolution images of your digestive tract to help us find clear answers and tailor your treatment plan.
Why Do We Recommend This Test?
Our team typically orders a capsule endoscopy to investigate the root cause of gastrointestinal symptoms when other tests have been inconclusive. Common reasons include:
Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding (where an EGD or colonoscopy did not find a source)
Evaluating or monitoring Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease
Investigating persistent abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, or unexplained anemia
What to Expect During the Procedure
The Setup: When you arrive, our staff will apply small sensors to your abdomen and provide you with a lightweight data recorder belt to wear around your waist.
Swallowing the Capsule: You will swallow the camera capsule easily with a glass of water.
How it Works: As the capsule moves naturally and painlessly through your digestive tract, it captures two images per second. These photos are transmitted wirelessly to the recorder on your waist.
Your Day: The test lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. You can leave our office and go about your normal daily activities while the camera does the work.
The Finish Line: The capsule is entirely disposable and will pass naturally and painlessly with a regular bowel movement, typically within 48 hours.
How to Prepare: Step-by-Step Instructions
Important: To ensure we get the clearest possible images for an accurate diagnosis, it is vital that you follow these preparation steps exactly. If you run into any issues, please call our office right away.
1 Day Before Your Procedure
Morning & Midday: Eat your normal breakfast, followed by a light lunch completed by 12:00 PM.
After 12:00 PM: Switch to a strict, clear liquid diet for the rest of the day.
At 3:00 PM (Bowel Prep): Mix your Golytely as directed. Drink one 8-ounce glass every 20 minutes until you have finished half of the container (2 liters). You do not need to drink the second half.
Evening: Keep hydrating! Drink as many clear liquids as you’d like throughout the evening.
Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything (except for essential medications) for 6 hours prior to your appointment time.
Day of Your Procedure
Medications: Do not take any medications within 2 hours of your test.
Skin Care: Please do not apply any body lotion or powder to your chest or abdomen.
Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing.
Instructions After Swallowing the Capsule
Once you leave our office with the capsule swallowed, please follow these guidelines throughout the day:
Eating & Drinking Timeline
After 2 Hours: You may begin drinking clear, colorless beverages (e.g., water, white grape juice, sprite, or ginger ale).
After 4 Hours: You may enjoy a light snack.
Equipment Care & Monitoring
Check the Recorder: Every 15 minutes, look at the blue light on your DataRecorder. It should be blinking twice per second. If it stops blinking or changes color, note the time and call us immediately.
Keep it Secure: Do not disconnect the equipment, remove the belt, or bang the recorder. Avoid sudden, jarring movements and direct exposure to bright sunlight.
Log Your Day: Use the provided Capsule Endoscopy Event Form to write down the exact times you eat, drink, or change your activity level. Bring this form back with you.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Equipment Return: At your scheduled afternoon appointment (approx. 8–9 hours after starting), you will return to our office so our team can remove the sensors and recorder.
Image Review: We will download the images to our system for your GI provider to carefully review.
Your Results: A member of our care team will contact you with your results and next steps within one week.
Post-Procedure Safety Precautions
MRI Warning: Because the capsule contains a tiny camera, you must not have an MRI or go near an MRI machine until the capsule has completely passed (usually within 48 hours).
When to Call Us Immediately: While this procedure is incredibly safe, please contact our office right away if you experience trouble swallowing, fever, nausea, vomiting, or increasing chest or abdominal pain.