Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule Endoscopy is a non-invasive way for your doctor to visualise specifically the small bowel, which is unreachable during other types of endoscopy procedures. It can be used to diagnose and monitor various conditions in your digestive tract.*

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Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that involves swallowing a small capsule, which is the same size as a large vitamin. Inside the capsule is a tiny camera that takes pictures as it travels through your digestive system. The images are then transmitted to a recording device worn on a belt around your waist and analysed by your doctor.²

Your doctor might suggest a capsule endoscopy procedure to:

Find the cause of bleeding in the small bowel: this is the most common reason for a capsule endoscopy

Diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases: such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

Screen for polyps and diagnose cancer: to look for potential polyps or tumours in the digestive tract

Step-by-step procedure

Always follow the instructions specified by your physician or the nursing staff. Always follow the discharge instructions provided by your physician after your procedure.

STEP 01

Before procedure

Before your Capsule Endoscopy, a member of your health care team will give you steps to follow to prepare your bowel for the procedure. To help the camera get clear images of your digestive tract, you'll be asked to stop eating and drinking at least 12 hours before the procedure and may be prescribed laxatives to empty your bowels.

Senior nurse takes a venous blood test from the arm of a young woman in laboratory. Medical worker bandages the hand with tourniquet before taking blood

Step-by-step procedure

Always follow the instructions specified by your physician or the nursing staff. Always follow the discharge instructions provided by your physician after your procedure.

STEP 02

During procedure

Once the recorder is connected and ready, you swallow the capsule endoscope with water. A slippery coating makes it easier to swallow. You will not be able to feel the capsule moving through your body. You can then leave the health care facility and go about your day as normal. No strenuous activity is allowed and you must keep the recording belt dry; do not shower or bathe.

Woman patient swallowing capsule endoscopy video pill with water

Step-by-step procedure

Always follow the instructions specified by your physician or the nursing staff. Always follow the discharge instructions provided by your physician after your procedure.

STEP 03

After procedure

Wait two hours after you swallow the capsule to start drinking clear liquids. After four hours, you can have a light lunch or a snack unless you're told not to. The Capsule Endoscopy procedure is usually complete by the end of the day or when you see the capsule in the toilet after a bowel movement. Follow the instructions provided by your health care professional for return of the equipment.

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The procedure

The Capsule Endoscopy camera takes thousands of photos as it passes through your digestive tract. The images are sent to a computer with special software that creates a video for your doctor to watch and look for unusual areas within your digestive tract.

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*Capsule Endoscopy: Cleveland Clinic. June 2022: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16829-capsule-endoscopy

Capsule Endoscopy: Tests and Procedures. Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/capsule-endoscopy/about/pac-20393366