PILL CAM
What is Pill Cam Capsule Endoscopy of the small bowel?
Capsule endoscopy with the Pill Cam SB video capsule enables your doctor to examine your entire small intestine. Your doctor will have you ingest a video capsule that has its own camera and light source. You can move freely during the exam, which lasts about eight hours. While the video capsule travels through your body, it sends images to a date recorder you will wear close to your waist. Afterwards your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You will receive preparation instructions before the examination. An empty stomach allows optimal viewing conditions, so you should start a liquid diet after lunch the day prior to the examination and have nothing to eat or dink, including water, for approximately 10 hours before a small bowel examination. Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take as you might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination. Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other electromedical devices. Report any previous abdominal surgery, swallowing problems, or previous history of obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract.
What can I expect during Pill Cam Capsule Endoscopy?
The doctor or nurse will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor belt around the abdomen. The video capsule io swallowed with water and passes naturally though your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder that you will ear close to you waist. You will be able to eat four hours after the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The examination is over approximately eight hours after the capsule was ingested.
What happens after Pill Cam Capsule Endoscopy?
At the end of the procedure, the data recorder and sensor belt will be removed and the images acquired during your exam will then be downloaded to a workstation for your doctor to review. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not have an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or be in the vacinity of an MRI machine.
How will I know the results of the procedure?
After you return the equipment, your doctor will process the information from the data recorder and will view the colour video of the pictures taken by the capsule. After the doctor has looked at this video, you will be contacted with the results.
How does the capsule get eliminated and will I feel it come out?
The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with you bowel movement. You shoud not feel any pain or discomfort.
What are the possible complications of Capsule Endoscopy?
Although complications may occur, they are rare when doctors who are specially trained and experienced in this procedure perform the test. A potential risk could be retention of the capsule. It is important for you to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have a fever after the test, trouble swallowing, or increasing chest or abdominal pain, contact your doctor immediately.