Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy using the CapsoCam Capsule Endoscopy System is a disposable, ingestible capsule that captures images as it naturally travels through the digestive system. This advanced technology allows physicians to visualize the small bowel, an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is difficult to evaluate with traditional endoscopy or colonoscopy. The capsule is about the size of a vitamin pill and contains miniature cameras and a light source that capture high-resolution images of the small intestine. Unlike some capsule systems that transmit images to an external recorder, CapsoCam stores images within the capsule itself as it moves through the digestive tract. After the capsule passes, the images are downloaded and reviewed by the physician.

The capsule is swallowed after a modified diet/prep the day prior and an overnight fast. On the morning of the procedure, you will visit the office briefly to review instructions and ingest the capsule. Because the images are stored internally, no external sensors or recording devices are required. After swallowing the capsule, you may leave the office and resume most normal activities. Clear liquids may be taken after two hours and a light snack after four hours. The capsule will pass naturally in the stool and must be retrieved and returned by the patient via FedEx so the images can be downloaded and reviewed.

Capsule endoscopy allows visualization of the small intestine, which is approximately twenty feet in length and largely beyond the reach of standard endoscopic procedures. It is often used to evaluate unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, suspected small bowel tumors, inflammation, or conditions such as Crohn’s Disease. The capsule cannot take biopsies or perform treatment and does not replace colonoscopy or upper endoscopy.

There is very little risk with this exam; however, if a blockage or narrowing of the small bowel is suspected, there is a concern that the capsule could become lodged at that site and require surgical removal.

Atlantic Digestive Specialists will perform video capsule endoscopy studies for other gastroenterologists outside of our practice with a prior consult with our physicians.

Referring physicians must have a conversation with our physicians regarding their patient prior to scheduling a consult and/or the video capsule endoscopy procedure.

A consult visit must be scheduled for all patients not previously seen by an Atlantic Digestive Specialists physician.

At Atlantic Digestive Specialists you will benefit from the personal care and technologically advanced procedures performed by our leading, board-certified gastroenterologists.