Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a pill-sized endoscope with a tiny onboard camera that takes thousands of photos during its journey through your digestive tract. NVG uses that information to identify problems in the three sections of your small intestine, including:
- The duodenum: The start of your small intestine
- The ileum: The end of your small intestine
- The jejunum: The area between your duodenum and ileum
You can’t reach these parts of the small intestine using other imaging procedures like upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, so this procedure provides valuable information that no other procedure can.
Capsule endoscopy may also be useful for detecting polyps, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and small intestinal tumors.
How does a capsule endoscopy procedure work?
As with other intestinal imaging tests, you’ll need to fast one day before and consume a MiraLAX mixture and Mylicon drops to prepare your digestive system for the exam. The NVG team will provide detailed prep instructions for your scheduled capsule endoscopy.
You’ll swallow the capsule in the NVG office, under the close medical direction of your doctor’s team. You can then go about your normal activities, following directions for eating and drinking. Usually, this includes no food or water for four hours and then a light snack such as chicken noodle soup.
For best results, strictly follow the instructions. The capsule will typically take 8-48 hours to pass. To watch the video instructions, visit https://capsovision.com/capsocam-accessories/
You will be provided with a pre-paid, pre-labeled padded envelope in your take-home kit. Place the capsule inside the vial, ensure the vial lid is locked, and place it into the envelope. Then drop it off at any FedEx drop box or physical FedEx location.