How to Evaluate a Wireless Capsule for Endoscopy
Gastroenterologists now have an option when performing an endoscopy on patients. It is a small endoscopic camera in a capsule form. The camera is swallowed, and as it travels through the patient's intestinal system, visual images are returned through the antenna pads worn by the patient.
- Schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist. They will make an evaluation and determine if you are a candidate for a capsule endoscopy. You will then schedule the procedure.
- Before your next visit, you must prepare for your capsule endoscopy in the same manner as a traditional one. The doctor will typically require a patient to be NPO (nothing ingested by mouth) after a certain time the night before the procedure.
- Take the laxatives prescribed by your physician. Usually in a liquid form and often given at the office in a gallon jug. Drink as much of the laxative as possible. The intestinal tract must be free of all contents before evaluated.
- Once the intestinal tract is clean it will allow clear images to be returned. This will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
- Go back again the next day and follow doctor's instruction swallowing the capsule.
- Once the pill is in the gastrointestinal tract, the images will be transmitted through radio waves to a reciever which will be put around your waist.
- Wear the receiver for the entire procedure. It will take about eight hours to complete. The patient can resume normal activities, within reason, once the procedure has begun. The transmissions of images will last for 24 hours.
- Once the capsule has passed through the tract it will be expelled through the rectum.
- After the capsule has cleared the tract the images will be downloaded from the receiver pack for the doctor's review.
- A diagnosis can usually be made after a general physical and review of the images.