What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is an advanced diagnostic test that helps your doctor see inside your small intestine. During this test, you swallow a small pill that contains a tiny video camera. As the pill travels naturally through your digestive system, it takes thousands of pictures. These images are sent to a special recording device you wear during the test.
Doctors often use video capsule endoscopy when other tests, such as an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, haven’t found the answers. That’s because the small intestine is a long, winding part of your digestive system that’s hard to see with other endoscopic tools. A capsule endoscopy test gives your care team a better view of this area, helping to find problems like bleeding, polyps, ulcers, or even tumors.
Once the test is finished, the pill passes naturally during a bowel movement. Your doctor will carefully review the images to help understand what’s going on and plan the next steps in your care.
At MedStar Health, you’ll benefit from the care of highly experienced gastroenterology specialists who perform a large number of capsule endoscopy procedures every year. Our team knows what to look for and how to help you get clear answers quickly and safely. When you choose MedStar Health, you’re choosing a team you can trust, with the skill and experience to guide your care every step of the way.
What is capsule endoscopy used for?
Your doctor may suggest a capsule endoscopy if you're having symptoms that other tests haven’t explained. This test is especially helpful for looking at the middle part of your digestive system—the small intestine, which isn’t fully seen during a regular endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Common reasons for a capsule endoscopy procedure include:
- Unexplained bleeding in your digestive tract
- Ongoing iron deficiency anemia (low iron levels)
- Suspected small intestine tumors or growths
- Crohn’s disease or other types of inflammation in the small intestine
- Unexplained abdominal pain or long-term digestive symptoms
Because it’s a non-invasive way to get detailed images from inside your body, capsule endoscopy can give your care team valuable information without the need for surgery or sedation.
At MedStar Health, our specialists use this test to help diagnose problems more accurately and create personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Benefits and risks
Capsule endoscopy is a safe and effective way to get a closer look at your small intestine. Like any test, it has both benefits and some risks. Understanding both can help you feel more comfortable and informed.
Benefits
- Non-invasive GI test: The test involves no needles, sedation, or surgery. Rather, you swallow a small, pill-sized capsule.
- Painless: Most people don’t feel the capsule as it moves through the digestive tract.
- Detailed images: The tiny camera takes thousands of pictures, helping doctors find issues that other tests might miss.
- Quick recovery: You can go about most of your daily activities while the capsule does its job.
- Better diagnosis: It can help find the cause of symptoms like bleeding, anemia, or unexplained stomach pain.
Uncommon risks
- Capsule retention: In rare cases, the capsule can get stuck in a narrowed part of the intestine. This may require additional treatment or surgery to remove.
- Incomplete study: If the battery runs out before the capsule finishes its journey, your doctor may not get a full set of images.
- Not right for everyone: People with certain medical conditions, like a history of bowel obstruction, swallowing problems, or abdominal surgery, may need other types of testing.
At MedStar Health, our GI experts will talk with you about your specific health needs and make sure capsule endoscopy is the safest and most useful option for you.
What to expect
Preparing for a capsule endoscopy is usually easy, but following your doctor’s instructions is important to make sure the test works well. Your care team at MedStar Health will go over all instructions with you ahead of time, answer your questions, and make sure you feel ready and confident for the test.
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Before the test
- Make sure your doctor knows your medical history, including any past surgeries.
- Follow a clear liquid diet in the afternoon or evening, if your doctor recommends it. This helps empty your digestive tract so the camera can get clear pictures.
- Stop eating and drinking at least 12 hours before your appointment. (Your care team will give you exact timing.)
- Take a bowel prep, if prescribed by your doctor. This is sometimes used to clean out the small intestine.
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During capsule endoscopy
- Do not eat or drink until your doctor says it’s okay, usually a few hours after swallowing the capsule.
- Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll wear a small recording monitor, usually around your waist.
- Don’t get the recording monitor wet. If you need to shower, keep the monitor close by but outside of the shower.
- Take your regular medicines only if your doctor says it’s safe that day.
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After the test
- Go about your normal day. You’ll wear a small recording device for about eight or twelve hours while the capsule travels through your digestive system.
- You can eat and drink again a few hours after swallowing the capsule. Your care team will let you know when.
- You’ll return the recording device at the end of the day so your doctor can review the images.
- The capsule will pass naturally in a bowel movement, usually within a day or two. You don’t need to try to retrieve it.
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Getting your results
Your doctor will carefully review the images from the test and look for anything unusual, such as bleeding, inflammation, or growths. You’ll typically get your results within a few days. Your care team will contact you to go over the findings and talk about any next steps or treatments, if needed.
At MedStar Health, we know waiting for results can feel stressful. That’s why our gastroenterologists work quickly to review your study and provide answers as soon as possible.
Our providers
Expert gastroenterology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our gastroenterologists.
Frequently asked questions
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Will I feel the capsule moving inside me?
No, most people don’t feel the pill camera at all. It’s about the size of a large vitamin and moves naturally through your digestive system.
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Can I go to work or school during the test?
Yes, in most cases, you can go about your usual routine. Just avoid strenuous activity, bending, or anything that might disturb the recording device while you're wearing it.
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What happens if the capsule doesn’t pass?
In rare cases, the capsule may get stuck, especially if there is a narrowing in the intestine. If you don’t see it pass within a few days, or if you develop symptoms like belly pain or nausea, contact your doctor right away.