Capsule Endoscopy in Illinois
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves an endoscopic procedure where a pill, which has a camera and a battery in it, is swallowed by the patient and captures numerous images of the patient's small bowel or intestine. Approximately 60,000 pictures are taken, which, when compiled, in essence make a "movie" of the patient's small intestine.
At GI Alliance of Illinois, a small bowel capsule endoscopy procedure is commonly performed to discover the cause of unexplained bleeding or anemia. It could be used to look at the small intestine to extensively evaluate an atypical x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Confer with our GI providers in Chicago, IL, Bloomington, IL to schedule a capsule endoscopy to make sure your intestinal health is prioritized.
What should my expectations be before my capsule endoscopy?
You will be given clear directions from your GI physician in regard to the necessary way to prepare for your capsule endoscopy. Most patients will be allowed to eat as they normally do the day prior to the procedure. You will be instructed to refrain from consuming anything via your mouth any later than 7 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is imperative to follow the guidelines given to you by your physician. There may also be supplemental instructions regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications will be continued per usual a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, in specific circumstances, such as in those on blood thinners (such as warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in those with diabetes, special instructions will be administered.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be directed to enter the endoscopy center 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled exam. This is to make sure you have time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the procedure. You will be instructed to don a vest that will hold the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. When the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to swallow.
After you swallow the pill capsule, you will be allowed to leave the endoscopy center. You will wear the vest for the next eight hours. You will be permitted to drink clear liquids after two hours have passed and may eat a normal meal after four hours. Once eight hours have passed, you will return to the endoscopy office and the vest can be removed.
When will I get my results from my capsule endoscopy?
After the exam is completed, the pictures retrieved from the capsule will be downloaded into a software program that creates a "movie" of your small intestine. It may take the doctor many hours to carefully review these images. Results are generally available inside of a week.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
By and large, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is an extremely safe procedure. Statistically, complications occur in fewer than 1 percent of patients. The majority of complications are not life-threatening, however, in the event that a complication does develop, it can require hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the GI Alliance of Illinois nursing staff.
One possible risk is that the pill capsule could become stuck in the intestinal tract, resulting in an obstruction. This would generally necessitate hospitalization and surgery.
It is imperative to call your physician's office immediately if symptoms develop after the capsule endoscopy, like worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
Like any other test, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not flawless. There is a slight, accepted risk that conditions, including cancers, could be missed at the time of the exam. It is imperative to continue to follow up with your doctor as advised and inform them of any ongoing or new symptoms.
Are there alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain degree, any alternatives to the test will rely upon the cause of requiring a small bowel capsule endoscopy to begin with. In the majority of instances, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the ideal approach for evaluating irregularities in the small intestine. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through may be utilized to evaluate the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy procedure is another option for evaluating the upper portion of the small intestine and can be utilized for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment
To receive an examination of your small intestine in a nonsurgical way, contact for an appointment at GI Alliance of Illinois. Capsule endoscopy in Illinois is just one of the methods in which our providers will do all that they possibly can to make certain your health is optimized throughout all stages of life.
Reviews
Been going to Dr Blumenstein for 16 years. Always understanding and helpful. I recommend him to everyone!
The office was very quiet and professional. I felt very well cared for by everyone.
Dr Moxon was kind and understanding. He listened and offered a possible. solution . He cared !!!
He's a excellent Doctor as well as experience too
Dr Joseph is on of the best doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure to see. 10 years ago he saved my life. I would highly recommend him and his staff there their the best
8920
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating