Capsule Endoscopy

At A Life Health Group, we prioritize your digestive system health and aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information on diagnostic methods. In this article, we will explore in detail capsule endoscopy, a revolutionary method for diagnosing small intestine diseases.

Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic method that records images of the small intestine using a camera inside a small capsule swallowed by the patient. It allows detailed examination of areas of the small intestine that are difficult to reach with traditional endoscopic methods. Its painless and comfortable nature makes capsule endoscopy a preferred choice for many patients.

In this article, you can find information about what capsule endoscopy is, who it is applied to, how it is performed, its advantages, and the capsule endoscopy services at A Life Health Group.

Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic method used to visualize the inner surface of the small intestine. During the procedure, the patient swallows a capsule the size of a vitamin pill. Inside this capsule, there is a camera, a light source, and a transmitter. As the capsule moves through the digestive system, it captures images of the small intestine and transmits them to a recording device attached to the patient’s waist.

Capsule endoscopy plays an important role in diagnosing small intestine diseases. It is particularly preferred in the following situations:

• Unexplained intestinal bleeding: Capsule endoscopy is an effective method for detecting bleeding sources in the small intestine.
• Crohn’s disease: It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation in the small intestine.
• Celiac disease: It can be used to diagnose celiac disease, which causes damage to the small intestine due to gluten sensitivity.
• Polyps and tumors: Capsule endoscopy can help diagnose polyps and tumors in the small intestine.
• Small intestine ulcers: It can be used to diagnose ulcers in the small intestine.
• Malabsorption disorders: It assists in evaluating malabsorption issues in the small intestine.

Capsule endoscopy can be applied to patients suspected of having small intestine diseases that cannot be examined in detail with traditional endoscopic methods. However, in some cases, capsule endoscopy may not be suitable:

• Patients with swallowing difficulties: They may have trouble swallowing the capsule.
• Patients with intestinal obstruction: The capsule may get stuck in the intestine.
• Pregnant women: The effects of capsule endoscopy on pregnancy are not fully known.
• Patients with a pacemaker: Capsule endoscopy may affect the functioning of the pacemaker.

Before the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient may need to prepare the small intestine. This preparation usually includes a clear liquid diet and the use of laxative medications.

On the day of the procedure, the patient comes to the endoscopy unit and a recording device is attached to their waist. Then, the patient swallows the capsule with a glass of water. As the capsule moves through the digestive system, it captures images of the small intestine and transmits them to the recording device.

During the capsule endoscopy procedure, the patient can continue normal activities. However, heavy exercise and swimming are recommended to be avoided. The capsule is usually expelled naturally from the body within 8–12 hours.

The recording device is removed approximately 8 hours after the procedure, and the images are transferred to a computer. The doctor examines the images and diagnoses small intestine diseases.

Capsule endoscopy provides many advantages in the diagnosis of small intestine diseases:

• Painless and comfortable procedure: The patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• Visualizes the entire small intestine: Allows detailed examination of areas of the small intestine that cannot be reached with traditional endoscopic methods.
• Patient comfort: The patient can continue normal activities during the procedure.
• High diagnostic accuracy: Has a high accuracy rate in diagnosing small intestine diseases.

Capsule endoscopy is generally a safe procedure. However, rarely the following risks may occur:

• Capsule retention in the intestine: This is rare and usually does not require surgical intervention.
• Bleeding: Rarely, bleeding may occur during or after capsule endoscopy.
• Allergic reaction: Allergic reactions to the materials used in capsule endoscopy may develop.

At A Life Health Group, we prioritize your digestive system health and offer advanced diagnostic methods such as capsule endoscopy. With our experienced gastroenterology specialists and state-of-the-art equipment, we aim to provide the best service in diagnosing small intestine diseases.

For more information about capsule endoscopy and to make an appointment, you can visit our website or contact us through our communication numbers.