Capsule Endoscopy
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a capsule which contains a tiny wirelesscarmera, which passes naturally through the smallintestine. The capsule takes 2 pictures per second and transmits them to a Data Recorderworn on a belt for the duration of the test - approximately 6-8 hours. The pictures are laterreviewed on a computer.
- Capsule Endoscopy Infosheet
The day before the Capsule Endoscopy examination
On the day before the Capsule Endoscopy, you may have breakfast and a light lunch. (egboiled or poached eggs, steamed fish or chicken, white bread, low fat plain yoghurt) After 1pm that day you must ONLY drink clear fluids. Drink plenty of clear fluids, at least 12-15 glasses or more.The reason for all the fluids is to keep you hydrated and to "flush" the small bowel out. Clearerpictures of the end of the small bowel are obtained if you drink plenty of fluids.
CLEAR FLUIDS:
Water, clear salty fluids (eg. strained chicken noodle soup, clear broth or bouillon, Bonox, misosoup). Clear fruit juices (apple or pear) or clear cordial (lemon or lime only)Black/Green/Herbal tea or Black coffee (skinny milk allowed but not whitener), artificialsweeteners are permitted. Clear jelly, carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, Gastrolyte orLucozade - no red or purple colours. A hearty combination of these clear liquids, (including 3-4cups of clear soups) will give a variation in fluid intake. Sugar or honey is allowed. You maysuck barley sugar or its equivalent.
The day of the Capsule Endoscopy
Do not eat or drink, except for necessary medication with a sip of water.Do not take medication within two hours of Capsule Endoscopy examination. Wear loosefitting, two piece clothing (shirt and pants/skirt).
Swallowing the capsule
The SensorArray belt will be applied to your stomach, over your shirt and will be connected tothe Data Recorder which you will wear on a belt around your waist. After that you will swallowthe capsule with some water. You can leave straight after swallowing the capsule and will beasked to return about 6-8 hours later to have the equipment removed.
After swallowing the capsule
Check the blue light on the top of the Data Recorder at least every 15-30 minutes - if the lightstops flashing, note the time and call our rooms on (03) 9885 8100.
You must wait 2 hours before you can drink clear liquids (as listed above on this page)and 4 hours until you can eat a light meal (as as listed aboveon this sheet) and take your medication, unless otherwise advised. Once the equipment is removed you can eatnormally.
Do Not Exercise. Avoid heavy lifting. You may walk, sit or drive. You may return towork, if you can avoid unsuitable environments and physical activities. Try not to touch theData Recorder or the SensorArray leads and avoid getting them wet.
Avoid going near MRI machines and radio transmitters. You may use a computer, radio,stereo, or mobile phone. Do not stand directly next to another patient undergoing CapsuleEndoscopy. Avoid large shopping centres.
Return to the rooms at 4.30 pm to have the equipment removed.Pain or nausea are very uncommon following capsule endoscopy. Should you feel persistentpain or nausea please telephone Dr. Desmond's rooms.
The capsule passes naturally in a bowel movement typically in about 24-72 hours. Most likelyyou will be unaware of its passage. lt does not need to be retrieved and can be safely flushed down the toilet. Should you become concerned that the capsule has not passed after 7 daysyou should contact Dr. Desmond's rooms.
Until the capsule passes, further testing which includes any type of MRI should be avoided. lfyou have an MRI examination scheduled within the next three days, the MRI examinationshould be postponed.
Results are generally available within one week of the procedure. A report will be sent to yourreferring doctor.
FEES:
Dr Desmond will bulk bill Medicare for your capsule endoscopy procedure. However there is a $200 out of pocket fee (payable at time of procedure by EFTPOS or cash) to assist with administrative and reporting costs. Please discuss with Dr Desmond’s staff if there are financial difficulties.
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