You may have heard of a popular procedure, called endoscopy, which allows your doctor to see inside of your digestive tract. But have you ever heard of capsule endoscopy?
Imagine swallowing a miniature camera enclosed in a capsule shell that travels through your GI tract, capturing detailed images along the way. This is called capsule endoscopy.
Capsule endoscopy, also known as pill endoscopy, is an innovative way to see the inside of the digestive system, especially the small intestine.It is one of the easiest gastrointestinal tests, yet it provides a wealth of information that is crucial to many GI diagnoses.
Like any other GI test procedure, your GI doctor is likely to ask you to take some steps to prepare yourself before a pill endoscopy. Here are some preparation tips that your GI doctor will give you to help you prepare for a capsule endoscopy.
Preparation Tips for Capsule Endoscopy
One day before your capsule endoscopy procedure, eat a light breakfast and then consume only clear liquids such as apple juice, water, ginger ale, etc. for lunch and dinner. Make sure you stop eating and drinking at least 12 hours before your endoscopy procedure.
To obtain high-quality pictures of the inside of the intestines, clear intestines are crucial. A clear intestine allows for better visualization and accurate diagnosis during the endoscopy. This is why in some cases,a GI doctor asks the patients to take laxatives before the endoscopy procedure. Laxatives or bowel cleansing agents can induce bowel movements and facilitate the removal of waste material from your GI tract.
You may also be advised to abstain from smoking for at least 24 hours before your capsule endoscopy procedure. Tell your doctor about medications you’re currently taking, as some of them could interfere with the camera. Therefore, your GI doctor will ask you to not take certain medications before the capsule endoscopy procedure.
The day before your procedure you will be allowed to perform light exercises. However, on the day of the exam, your doctor may ask you to not perform any strenuous physical activity or exercise. You may also resume your normal diet and activities two to four hours after swallowing the capsule.
Capsule Endoscopy Near Me in California
If you think you or your loved one is a candidate for capsule endoscopy, visit us here at Genensis Healthcare Partners for a comprehensive evaluation and examination. Our team of highly trained GI specialists uses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to perform many screening and diagnostic procedures, including capsule endoscopy.
Before recommending capsule endoscopy, our GI specialist will thoroughly assess your health condition and determine if capsule endoscopy is suitable for you. Should capsule endoscopy not be the right for you, our GI specialist will guide you through the process so that you feel comfortable and confident about the procedure.
If you would like to know more about capsule endoscopy or would like to make an appointment with one of our GI specialists, contact one of our locations nearest you or fill out this easy-to-use appointment request form. We look forward to treating you!