Capsule Endoscopy in New Orleans, LA
What is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves a procedure where a pill or capsule, (which contains a camera and battery), is ingested by the patient and is then used to take numerous pictures of the patient’s small intestine or bowel. Around 60,000 images are captured, which, when compiled, in essence, provides a “movie” of the small intestine.
At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is often conducted to discover the cause of inexplicable bleeding or anemia. It might be performed to examine the small intestine to extensively assess an atypical x-ray, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Call our GI providers in New Orleans, LA to schedule a capsule endoscopy to ensure your intestinal health is maintained.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You should receive clear directions from your GI provider regarding the necessary preparation for your capsule endoscopy. Most patients will be allowed to eat normally the day before the procedure. You will be instructed to refrain from consuming anything orally after 7:00 p.m. the night before your capsule endoscopy. It is imperative to follow the guidelines provided to you by your gastroenterologist. There will also be supplemental instructions regarding your medications. In most cases, your medications will be continued as normal a few hours following ingestion of the pill capsule. However, in certain circumstances, especially in patients on blood thinners (i.e. warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in diabetics, specialized instruction will be provided.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be asked to arrive at the office or endoscopy center 30 minutes before your procedure. This is to make sure you have time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the capsule endoscopy exam. You will be instructed to put on a vest that holds the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. When the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated and then you will swallow it.
After the capsule is ingested, you will have the option to leave the endoscopy unit. You will keep the vest on for the following eight hours. You will be able to consume clear liquids after two hours have elapsed and can eat a normal meal after four hours. After the eight-hour timeframe, you will return to the endoscopy unit and the vest will be removed. To learn more about having a capsule endoscopy in New Orleans, LA, please request a consultation with one of our gastrointestinal providers at your earliest convenience.
When will I get my results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once the process is completed, the pictures received from the capsule are downloaded to a software program that creates a “movie” of your small bowel. It might take the specialist several hours to fully review these photos. Exam results are typically ready within a week. You will typically be called by your provider’s office with the capsule endoscopy results.
What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
Overall, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is quite a safe procedure. Overall, complications develop in less than 1% of individuals. The majority of complications are not life-threatening, still, if a complication does arise, it can require hospitalization and a surgical procedure. Before the capsule endoscopy exam, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates nursing staff.
One potential risk is that the pill capsule could get stuck in the intestinal tract, creating a blockage. This would typically necessitate hospitalization and surgery.
It is essential to call your provider’s office immediately if any symptoms present after the capsule endoscopy, such as increased abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
Just like any other medical test, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a small, acknowledged risk that abnormalities, including malignancies, could be missed at the time of the procedure. It is crucial to continue to follow up with your provider as directed and to make them aware of any new or persistent symptoms.
What are alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To an extent, any alternate options to the procedure will rely upon the cause of requiring a small bowel capsule endoscopy in the first place. In the majority of situations, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the most effective approach to evaluate issues in the small bowel. However, an x-ray referred to as a small-bowel-follow-through may be used to evaluate the small intestine instead. An enteroscopy exam is another option for evaluating the upper part of the small bowel and can be employed for therapy.
