At Jolimont Endoscopy we are now offering PillCamŪ Capsule Endoscopy to our patients for establishing diagnoses of abnormalities of the small intestine. Capsule Endoscopy is a new way of examining the small intestine. It does not replace gastroscopy or colonoscopy. This technique is specifically aimed at acquiring images of the small bowel, which cannot be adequately examined by gastroscopy of colonoscopy. There are specific indications for this procedure which your doctor or one of our specialists will discuss with you before booking a procedure.
Patients MUST have had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy in the immediate six months prior to the PillCam referral.
There are several situations when Capsule Endoscopy could be dangerous:
- If you can't swallow properly
- If you are pregnant
- If you have had a bowel obstruction
- If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator
- If you need to have an MRI during the study time or for 2 - 3 days after
IF ANY OF THESE APPLY TO YOU PLEASE NOTIFY US.
EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T HAD A BOWEL OBSTRUCTION, THERE IS A SMALL CHANCE THAT THE CAPSULE WILL BE HELD UP SOMEWHERE, USUALLY IN THE SMALL BOWEL. THIS MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES, INCLUDING SURGERY, TO REMOVE THE CAPSULE.
The procedure requires you to swallow a plastic jelly-bean-sized Capsule, and wear a belt attached to leads over your abdomen. The Capsule passes naturally through the stomach and intestines, sending 2 pictures per second to a data recorder on the belt, where the images are stored. The procedure takes 6 - 8 hours (the life of the batteries in the Capsule).
During the PillCam® Capsule Endoscopy which will last for 6 - 8 hours there are certain restrictions on what you may do however mostly you can continue normal activities.
You may drink clear liquids (water, apple juice) 2 hours after the capsule has reached the small bowel - we will tell you when this happens and then you can go home. You may eat a light meal 4 hours after the capsule has reached the small bowel. You may also take your medications at this time. The nursing staff will give you an information sheet which specifies the times when you can drink and eat.
Do not exercise. Avoid heavy lifting. You may walk, sit, lie down or drive a car. You may return to work, if it is in a suitable environment and does not require physical exertion. You should also avoid lying down or sleeping during the examination as this may slow the passage of the PillCam®.
Avoid going near MRI machines and radio transmitters. You may use a computer, radio, stereo, or cell phone, but do not stand directly next to another patient undergoing Capsule Endoscopy.
After 6- 8 hours the belt and leads are removed. One of our specialists will review the images on a special computer, and send a report to your doctor. The Capsule is passed in a bowel motion, usually within a few days.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Capsule procedure, please contact us.
Preparation instructions for Capsule Endoscopy
The day BEFORE Capsule Endoscopy examination:
- AFTER LUNCH ONLY DRINK CLEAR FLUIDS (DO NOT EAT!). Have at least 10 - 20 glasses/cups of clear fluids (water, black tea or coffee, apple juice) Please DO NOT have any red coloured foods.
- From 12midnight: do not eat or drink anything (this includes water), except for regular medication with a sip of water.
- Male patients should shave their abdomen 6 inches (15cm) above and below the navel.
The day OF Capsule Endoscopy examination:
- Do not take medication within 2 hours of the Capsule Endoscopy examination appointment time.
- Wear loose fitting, two piece clothing.
- The Sensor Array leads will be applied to your stomach with adhesive pads and will be connected to the Data Recorder that you will wear in a belt around your waist.
- You may be given a Maxolon tablet, then you will be asked to swallow the Capsule with some water.
- Most people can then go home.
- Come back to the hospital at the appointed time, 6 - 8 hours after swallowing the Capsule to have the equipment disconnected.
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