How to Get a Capsule Endoscopy to Test for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease affects the bowel and is often difficult to diagnose accurately. There is a newer procedure in which a little camera is swallowed in a capsule. This camera will take video pictures of the intestinal tract and the pictures will be captured with specialized monitors that the patient wears during the procedure. Follow all recommendations of your physicians when getting this procedure done. There will be dietary restrictions prior to testing that are important.

1. Follow the recommendations of your physician and gastroenterologist. There are different ways to test for Crohn’s disease and your insurance may not cover newer procedures like capsule endoscopy.


2. Call your insurance company to find out what the requirements are. Make sure to tell them of any other procedures you have already completed.


3. Check with your family physician and any other specialists that you see. Some types of pacemakers may interfere with this procedure. If you have a heart condition your gastroenterologist will likely want a release from your heart specialist.


4. Prepare for the procedure as directed. There will be restrictions on what you can eat 24 hours prior to your procedure. Most patients are allowed a clear liquid diet until midnight. Then nothing by mouth until after the procedure. Follow your instructions as there may be other procedures that would require different pre-procedure guidelines.


5. Have someone drive in case you are given medication. Bring any medications with you.


6. Expect to be hooked up to a monitoring device. You will swallow a capsule that contains a small video camera. This camera will take pictures of your intestinal tract and the monitors will record them.


7. Wait until directed and then take some fluids. This is usually about two hours. After several hours you will be instructed to eat a small meal to stimulate your bowels.


8. Go back to the facility and have the monitoring devices removed when directed. The capsule should be excreted normally. You will be instructed to look for it after bowel movements.