Capsule Endoscopy in Florida
What 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.
