Capsule Endoscopy in Florida
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves a procedure using endoscopy wherein a pill/capsule, (which contains a camera and battery), is ingested by the patient and is then utilized to take a series of photos of the patient's small intestine or bowel. Around 60,000 photos are transmitted, which, when compiled, in essence, provide a "movie" of the patient's small bowel.
At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida, a small bowel pill endoscopy procedure is usually used to identify the cause of inexplicable bleeding or anemia. It can be conducted to look at the small intestine to further investigate an atypical x-ray, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Call our gastroenterology doctors in Florida to schedule a capsule endoscopy to ensure the health of your intestinal system is protected.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You should expect details and instructions from your GI physician regarding the necessary preparation for your capsule endoscopy. In most cases, patients will be advised to eat normally the day before the procedure. Patients will likely be instructed to refrain from consuming anything via their mouth after 7:00 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is essential to adhere to the instructions provided to you by your Florida physician. There will also be additional instructions in regard to your medications. In the majority of instances, your medications will be continued as normal a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, in certain situations, especially in individuals on blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, the specialized direction will be given. Schedule a consultation with our team at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida for more information.
What should I expect on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be instructed to enter the office or endoscopy center 30 minutes before your exam. This is to allow time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the capsule endoscopy procedure. You will be instructed to put on a vest that holds the monitors which will receive the transmitted images. When the vest is placed on, the pill capsule will be activated and then swallowed.
After the capsule is ingested, you will be allowed to leave the endoscopy center. You will wear the vest for the following eight hours. You will be able to consume clear liquids after two hours have passed following the exam and may eat a regular meal after four hours. Once eight hours have passed, you will come back to the endoscopy center and the vest will be removed. To learn more about undergoing a capsule endoscopy in Florida, please schedule a consultation with one of our GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida today.
When will I get my results from my capsule endoscopy?
When the procedure is complete, the images received from the capsule are downloaded to a software program that generates a "movie" of your small intestine. It may take your doctor several hours to fully review this "movie". Procedure results are typically ready inside of a week. You will typically be called by the ordering doctor's office with your capsule endoscopy results. To receive expert treatment in Florida for your GI issues, connect with one of our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida.
What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
In general, the small bowel capsule endoscopy in our Florida location is a very safe procedure. Statistically, complications develop in fewer than 1 percent of patients. Most complications are not life-threatening, still, if a complication does develop, it could require hospitalization and a surgical procedure. Before the capsule endoscopy exam, a consent form will be reviewed with the patient by the Gastroenterology Associates of Florida nursing staff.
One potential risk is that the pill capsule could get caught in the intestinal tract, resulting in an obstruction. This would typically require surgery and a hospital stay. It is vital to call your physician's office with no delay if symptoms arise following the capsule endoscopy, like increasing abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
As with any other process, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, accepted risk that issues, including cancers, can go undetected during the exam. It is crucial to maintain follow-ups with your GI physician as instructed and to inform them of any new or ongoing symptoms.
What are alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain degree, any alternatives to this exam will depend on the reason for needing a small bowel capsule endoscopy in the first place. In most cases, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the ideal approach to evaluate concerns in the small intestine. However, an x-ray referred to as a small-bowel-follow-through may be employed to examine the small intestine instead. An enteroscopy exam in our Florida location can also be used to evaluate the upper portion of the small bowel and can be employed for therapy. To learn more about the alternatives available to you, schedule a consultation with our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida.
Noninvasive treatment for your GI needs
To get an evaluation of your small bowel in a nonsurgical manner, connect with us for consultation at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida. Capsule endoscopy in Florida is just one of the ways our gastrointestinal specialists will do everything they can to ensure your health is maintained throughout all stages of life.
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Dr Rosenfield is very kind and knowledgable, and generous with his time to answer all my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend him.
I am a patient of Dr. Taryn Silverstein for the past six months. I went to see her when I was in extreme discomfort from a GI episode. I live in Miami and drove 1.5 hours just to see her after reading all of her amazing reviews. She took her time with me and listening attentively to everything I had to say. Since that time I have been back two other times for further evaluation and review of test results and she was equally patient, understanding and calming. She not only does a thorough review of you clinically; but also physically exams you. I am highly impressed and amazed by the use of the GI Alliance portal and how quickly Dr. Silverstein has responded to all my messages within 24 hours. I can't begin to stress how incredibly impressed I am by this. She even took the time to call me personally on a Friday later afternoon to offer me reassurance to what was going on with me medically. I am still in the process of doing further tests; etc; but no matter what the outcome is I feel confident in my choice of this incredible physician. I know I will be heard and well taken care of. In this day and age a physician such as Dr. Silverstein is a rarity. Her energy and positive attitude only adds to her amazing qualities. I feel blessed that I found her.
Love Dr. Simon! Professional, excellent doctor, great bedside manner. Colonoscopy was an easy procedure and the Atlantis facility is a smooth operation from start to finish. In and out in no time (no pun intended!)
Last week I visited Gastro Associates of Florida, at their Atlantis office. I have been going there for years and have always found the doctors and nurses and staff to be excellent. I saw Jessica Gonzalez at my last appointment, and she was professional and kind and terrific! She knew just how to handle my case. She works with a truly special doctor, Miles Medrano. Dr. Medrano has taken time out of his very busy schedule to call me and explain things and comfort me-amazing! One of his nurses, Maria, has also been extremely thoughtful. For those of us who have health issues, it is so important to know that our healthcare professionals "get" us and care about us. This office is the BEST!
I had a scheduled endoscopy with a different physician who was called away on a family emergency. Dr. Silverstein stepped in to take over. I was extremely anxious as I have medical PTSD. Dr. Silverstein was so kind, understanding, and supportive that I can't recommend her more highly.
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