Capsule Endoscopy in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves an endoscopic process in which a small capsule containing a camera and battery is ingested by the patient and then used to take pictures of the small intestine or bowel. Nearly 60,000 images are transmitted that, when put together, create a "movie" of the patient's small intestine.
At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, a small bowel pill endoscopy procedure is often conducted to discover the primary reason for unexplained bleeding or anemia. It can be used to assess the small intestine to extensively investigate an abnormal x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Confer with our GI specialists to request a capsule endoscopy in Texas to help ensure your intestinal health is maintained.
What should my expectations be for my capsule endoscopy?
You will be given details and instructions from your provider regarding the necessary preparation for your capsule endoscopy. The majority of patients will be advised to eat as per their normal habits the day before the procedure. You will be instructed refrain from consuming anything via your mouth any later than 7:00 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided to you by your provider. There will likely also be additional instructions in regard to your medications. In most instances, your medications will be resumed as normal a few hours following ingestion of the pill capsule. However, in specific situations, specifically for those on blood thinners (such as Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin) and in those with diabetes, unique directions will be administered.
What is the procedure for a capsule endoscopy?
You will be directed to enter the endoscopy center or office 30 minutes before your appointed procedure. This is to provide time to fill out patient forms and any preparation for the capsule endoscopy exam. You will then be asked to put on a vest that will hold the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. After the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.
After swallowing the pill capsule, you may leave the endoscopy office. You will keep the vest on for the following eight hours. You can drink clear liquids once two hours have passed following the exam and have a normal meal after four hours. When eight hours have passed, you will come back to the endoscopy unit, and the vest can be removed. To learn more about having a capsule endoscopy in Texas, please request a consultation at your nearest Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location today.
When will I recieve the results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once the exam is complete, the images retrieved from the capsule will be downloaded to a computer program that produces a "movie" of your small intestine. It might take your doctor a few hours to carefully review the findings. Exam results are most often ready within a week. We will contact you with your results when they are ready.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
Generally speaking, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Overall, complications develop in less than 1% of individuals. These complications are usually not life-threatening. Still, should a complication arise, it may require hospitalization and surgery. A member of the Texas Digestive Disease Consultants nursing staff will review a consent form with the patient in advance of the exam.
One potential risk is that the pill capsule could become caught in the intestine, resulting in an obstruction. In this case, there is a possibility of hospitalization and surgery.
It is essential to call your provider's office promptly if symptoms present following the capsule endoscopy, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
As with any other test, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that issues, including cancers, could be missed during the exam. It is important to maintain follow-ups with your provider as directed and to inform them of any new or ongoing symptoms.
Are there any alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To some degree, any alternate options to the capsule endoscopy procedure will depend on why the patient requires a small bowel capsule endoscopy to begin with. In the majority of instances, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the best method to evaluate concerns in the small intestine. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through can assess the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy exam can also be used to examine the upper part of the small intestine and may be employed for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment for a healthier life
To request a noninvasive examination of your small bowel, contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants for help finding a location near you. Capsule endoscopy in Texas is just one of the methods our providers use to help you maintain a healthy GI system at any stage of life.
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