Your Arizona Gastroenterology physician may determine that a capsule endoscopy of the small bowel is necessary for further evaluation of your condition.
Capsule endoscopy with the PillCam® 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 data recorder you will wear close to your waist. Afterwards, your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.
The procedure helps your doctor determine the cause for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia.
The PillCam is ingested with water and passes naturally through your digestive tract. You will be able to eat four hours after the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You should not feel any pain or discomfort.