The causes of digestive system problems are many and different, as are the methods of diagnosis and treatment. One of the common ways to detect problems in the digestive system is the traditional endoscopy, and with the development of medical technologies, it is now possible to detect the health and problems of the digestive system with capsule endoscopy.
What is capsule endoscopy and is it safe? Get to know us more in the article.
What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a modern medical procedure where a wireless camera is used inside the capsule that help visualize the digestive system. The camera sends pictures to the device attached to it, which records what you are wearing.
Capsule endoscopy helps to obtain clear internal images of the small intestine, which conventional endoscopy cannot reach.
When is resort to capsule endoscopy?
Unexplained bleeding in the small intestine
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Diagnose the possibility of cancer
In the event that the results of some imaging tests are not clear
Diagnosis and detection of polyps in the small intestine
Diagnosis of abdominal disease
Examination of the small intestine, which cannot be reached by gastroscope and colonoscopy
Anemia, Crohn's disease, tumors, and more.
How is capsule endoscopy performed?
Capsule endoscopy is performed by means of a capsule that contains a camera or several small cameras. After taking the necessary preparation, the capsule is swallowed orally, like swallowing a pill, without the need for anesthesia. The capsule takes tens of thousands of images as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract, and the number of images exceeding 100,000 photos are combined to create a 14-hour video.
The images are usually sent to a small image receiver worn around the waist like a belt (except for one type of capsule endoscopy system in which the images are stored in the capsule itself without an external recorder).
The patient can practice his daily life normally, such as working and driving a car, and he starts drinking clear liquids usually after two hours and starts eating a light meal four hours after swallowing the capsule. The capsule comes out naturally with defecation and there is no need to take it because the images were sent wirelessly To the external recorder (except for a capsule endoscopy system in which the images are stored in the capsule itself where the capsule needs to be picked up and brought in)
In addition to the capsule of the small intestine, there are other types of capsule endoscopy:
Colonoscopy capsule
esophageal capsule
Magnetically guided gastric capsule
However, none of them are currently as efficient as traditional endoscopes, and therefore resort to them in certain cases.
Is capsule endoscopy safe?
The endoscopy capsule is safe and does not cause significant complications, except for the possibility of capsule retention in the case of abnormal narrowing of the intestinal tract, as the capsule size is much smaller than the size of the intestine.
Due to the large number of images captured by the capsule, which must be reviewed by the specialist doctor, the use of artificial intelligence applications has begun to confirm the accuracy of the reading.
Most of the indicators may be symptoms of other diseases, so it is always important to consult a specialist doctor and perform the necessary tests to ensure your safety.
So, if you suffer from digestive problems, book your appointment now with our specialist doctors
Here in the Gastroenterology Center of Intermed Clinics, it includes the best specialized consultants to help you maintain your health by providing the best treatment services in all stages of treatment, from evaluation and accurate diagnosis until the post-treatment stage. We are keen to provide optimal and comprehensive care to our patients.
Integrated Gut Center Consultants Team:
You can consult our doctors and book the nearest appointment by contacting us via our unified number:
920006427