Capsule Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the small intestine. A small, swallowable capsule containing a camera is used to capture images as it travels through the digestive tract. The capsule transmits images to a recorder worn by the patient, allowing the doctor to assess conditions such as obscure or overt GI bleeding, small bowel lesions, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, angiodysplasia, and polyps. Capsule endoscopy is particularly useful when conventional endoscopy and colonoscopy results are normal but symptoms persist.

The procedure involves swallowing a small capsule equipped with a camera at the tip, which continuously takes photos as it moves through the digestive tract. These photos are transmitted wirelessly to a transducer attached to the patient’s body. The patient must clean the bowel using medication before the procedure for accurate results. The capsule remains active for up to 12 hours and is naturally passed out with stool, usually without causing any discomfort.

Capsule endoscopy is safe and painless, requiring no sedation or recovery time. It provides a detailed view of the small intestine, helping to detect and diagnose hidden sources of bleeding, inflammation, and growths. The non-invasive nature and high diagnostic accuracy of capsule endoscopy make it a preferred choice for evaluating small intestine disorders.