MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO SWALLOW WHAT??
MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO SWALLOW WHAT??
By Jill Linder, RN
Most patients have never heard of a CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY before. This type of test requires swallowing a camera, about the size of a large pill, in order to take a closer look at your small intestine. This camera has a light on the end of it, and as it proceeds through the intestinal tract, takes hundreds of pictures over a time period of about 8 hours. These pictures are sent to a small recording device you have to wear on your body, that eventually get uploaded for your doctor to look at! This may provide information on structural changes in your small intestine or can help your doctor diagnose bleeding or other conditions that were unable to be seen through conventional endoscopy procedures. This is a completely painless way to see the inside of your body and will eventually be excreted out through a regular bowel movement. Prep is very minimal and only involves not eating for a certain period of time and drinking a colon prep is not necessary!
Here at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health the staff is very knowledgeable on capsule endoscopies and can address any questions or concerns you might have! If you have any questions on how to optimize your gastrointestinal health and wellness, please call 224.407.4400 to schedule an appointment or visit compgihealth.com to learn more!