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2630 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5435
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The doctors of Gastroenterology of Southern Indiana must often perform
routine procedures for the evaluation and treatment of many digestive tract
problems. The information below is meant as a reference only and should
not be used as diagnostic treatment.
Capsule Endoscopy
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General information
Capsule
Endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of your
gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small
intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). Your doctor will use a pill sized
video capsule called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light
source and will view the images on a video monitor. You might hear your
doctor or other medical staff refer to capsule endoscopy as small bowel
endoscopy, capsule enteroscopy, or wireless endoscopy.
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Reasons for exam
Capsule
endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate the small intestine. This part of
the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by
colonoscopy. 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.
As is the case with most new diagnostic procedures, not all insurance
companies are currently reimbursing for this procedure. You may need to
check with your own insurance company to ensure that this is a covered
benefit.
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Equipment
Your
doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor device
to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape). The capsule
endoscope is swallowed and passes naturally through your digestive tract
while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on your belt for
approximately eight hours. At the end of the procedure you will return
to the office and the data recorder is removed so that images of your
small bowel can be put on a computer screen for physician review.
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Benefits
Capsule endoscopy allows the examination of the section of your
intestines that cannot be examined and because you ingest a small
"pill", it is non-invasive.
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Risks & side effects
You will
be able to drink clear liquids after two hours and eat a light meal
after four hours following the capsule ingestion, unless your doctor
instructs you otherwise. You will have to avoid vigorous physical
activity such as running or jumping during the study. Your doctor
generally can tell you the test results within the week following the
procedure; however, the results of some tests might take longer.
Although
complications can occur, they are rare.
Potential risks include complications from obstruction. This usually
relates to a stricture (narrowing) of the intestine from inflammation,
prior surgery, or tumor. It’s important to recognize early signs of
possible complications. If you have evidence of obstruction, such as
unusual bloating, pain, and/or vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Also, if you develop a fever after the test, have trouble swallowing or
experience increasing chest pain, tell your doctor immediately. Be
careful not to prematurely disconnect the system as this may result in
loss of image acquisition. |
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