Capsule Endoscopy

by Advanced GI WA

This procedure involves the ingestion of a small capsule that contains a tiny camera, which can take 2-4 images per second for eight hours. It has been specifically developed to view the small bowel.

Capsule endoscopy is used to try and pinpoint bleeding in hidden areas in the small bowel. It is also useful for tracking small bowel tumours and obscure abdominal pain.

The capsule is swallowed and travels, just like a piece of food, through the stomach, small bowel and into the large bowel. Recording probes, taped onto the abdomen, track the progress of the capsule as it makes its way through the gastrointestinal system. The images obtained by the capsule are transmitted to a data recorder worn in a harness around the waist.