Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Provides Testing Options for the Small Intestine

At Blair Gastroenterology Associates, one of our services offered is Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy. Your small intestine cannot be reached by an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy and this procedure allows your physician to evaluate your small intestine without exploratory surgery. This state of the art procedure focuses on the three portions of your small intestine, the duodenum, jejunum, and the ileum. For more information on this testing option or to speak to one of our specialists, be sure to call our office at your earliest convenience.

What to Expect During a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy

Your doctor will give you a pill sized video camera to swallow. This camera has its own light source and takes pictures of your small intestine as it passes through. These pictures are sent to a small recording device you wear on your waist. Your doctor will be able to view these pictures at a later time and will be able to provide you with useful information regarding your small intestine. The procedure typically takes 8 hours to complete, but you will be able to go home a short time after swallowing the pill. The capsule you swallow is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. After the test is done you must return all the equipment to Blair Gastroenterology Associates.

Preparing for a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy at Blair Gastroenterology Associates

Before your Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy, your doctor will give you instructions pertaining to all and any medications you take. You will receive written instructions on what to do the days or weeks leading up to your procedure, the day of the procedure, and what to do following the procedure. In order for your physician to get the most accurate information from this examination, you must follow all instructions carefully and fully. For most patients, the day before your Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy you will have to follow a clear liquid diet. On the day of the procedure, arrive at the office wearing loose fitting, two-piece clothing. Expect to have a pre-procedure interview with your doctor. This is to inform you of all that is involved with the procedure; much if not all of which you have previously reviewed with our staff.