You might be a little surprised, maybe even a little surprised, when you hear about swallowing a camera. But this isn't the big camera you think it is. It's very small, like a vitamin capsule, designed to work inside your body. Sometimes, other methods can't find problems inside our stomach, especially in the small intestine. That's when this little camera, called Capsule Endoscopy, comes in handy. Shall we talk more about this?
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Simply put, this is a type of test. Doctors use it to detect problems and diseases in our digestive system , that is, the path through which the food we eat and drink travel, especially in the small intestine.
Imagine you are given something that looks like a large vitamin capsule to swallow. Inside the capsule is a small camera (sometimes more than one camera), a light, and a small device that sends pictures . After you swallow it, it travels down your stomach, taking about two pictures per second, thousands of pictures . Your doctor looks at these pictures to see if there is anything wrong with your stomach.
Eventually, this capsule will come out with your stool when you go to the toilet , usually within 24 hours. Then you can flush it down the toilet, no problem.
It may sound scary to swallow a camera, but it's a very small, safe thing. Plus, this tiny camera can see parts of the small intestine that other tests like endoscopy sometimes can't reach.
Why would a doctor tell you to do this?
If you or your child have any stomach problems, that is, symptoms of a gastrointestinal (GI) problem, a doctor may suggest doing this (Capsule Endoscopy). For example:
- In conditions like Celiac disease .
- If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
- If you have bleeding from the intestines that cannot be detected by a regular (Upper endoscopy) or (Colonoscopy).
- If there are small growths (polyps) in the colon.
- If there are suspicions of other tumors in the intestines, either benign or malignant tumors.
These are the symptoms that can be caused by these conditions and other intestinal problems:
- Stomach ache or pain.
- Blood in the stool .
- Diarrhea , bloating, and flatulence.
- Constant fatigue .
- Nausea and vomiting .
- Being thin for no reason.
This test can be done on adults as well as children. However, if your child has difficulty swallowing the capsule, the doctor may insert it using an endoscopy.
How does this capsule endoscopy work?
It's very simple. The doctor gives you a capsule, like a vitamin pill. Inside it, as mentioned before, is a small camera, a light, and a transmitter. You swallow it with water like you would a regular pill. Then you can go about your normal activities.
At the same time, the doctor will give you a small recording device to wear. This is usually worn around your waist. This device records the images sent by the transmitter in the capsule, which you can then show to the doctor . This recorder may be wired to your chest or abdomen with sticky pads (but nothing will go through the skin). Or it may be completely wireless. In that case, just the recorder around your waist.
Here's what's happening over the next few hours:
- Your digestive system carries this capsule down your esophagus, through your stomach, and into your intestines. Because the capsule is so well sealed, stomach acids can't dissolve it, just like they do with digesting food. That means the capsule won't break down or dissolve.
- Cameras inside the capsule take pictures at a rate of about two frames per second . The capsule's transmitter sends these pictures to a recording device, which saves them.
- The next day you go back to the doctor's office. If you had sticky pads on your skin, they will remove them and remove the wires. They will also take back the recording device.
- The capsule will pass naturally from your body when you have a bowel movement . This usually happens within 24 hours, but sometimes it can take longer. You may even see the capsule in the toilet. It is okay to flush it away.
- The doctor then downloads these images onto a computer and looks at them.
How should I prepare for this test?
Before a Capsule Endoscopy, you should do these things:
- You should avoid eating or drinking. Your stomach needs to be empty for the test. You will usually need to stop eating 12 hours before a capsule endoscopy. Your doctor may also advise you to do a bowel preparation.
- You should tell your doctor about your health history. Tell him about any previous surgeries you've had, any bowel problems you've had. If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should definitely tell him about it. These devices can interfere with the images being sent from the capsule.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have and all medications you take (including vitamins and supplements) . The dosage of some medications may need to be changed or stopped for a few days before the test.
What should I expect during the test?
You will not feel this capsule moving through your stomach, and you will not feel any pain . After swallowing the capsule, you should be aware of the following:
- Do not have an MRI scan or go near an MRI machine until the capsule is out of your body.
- Stay away from strenuous physical activity (such as sports, running, jumping) until the capsule is out.
- Drink only clear liquids, such as water and unsweetened coffee, within the first two hours after swallowing the capsule.
Ask your doctor when you can start eating again. You may have to wait a few hours before eating.
Sometimes the doctor will tell you to remove the recording device after a few hours, or they will remove it when you return. You should follow the doctor's instructions exactly. If you remove or disconnect the recording device before the test is over, the images may be damaged or erased.
What happens after a Capsule Endoscopy?
You will have to go back to the doctor to give the recording device you wore during the test. After the test is over, they will take the recorder, look at the images on it, and tell you the results.
It doesn't take long to recover after a capsule endoscopy, and you can return to normal quickly.
Are there any risks with this test?
Capsule Endoscopy is a very safe procedure , with very few complications.
However, very rarely, the capsule can become lodged in a narrow area of the intestine. This is more likely to happen in people who have had previous intestinal surgery, or who have inflammation or a tumor in the intestine.
If you are not sure whether the capsule has passed out of your body, you may need to have an X-ray or CT scan to see if it is still inside. A capsule that has not passed out of your body can cause a bowel obstruction , which is a serious condition.
What are the benefits of this test ?
Capsule Endoscopy can find bleeding and other problems in your digestive tract. It's the only way to examine your entire small intestine. Other tests use a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached. This tube can't reach your entire small intestine. But this capsule can! It takes pictures of your entire digestive tract, even parts of your small intestine that are hard to reach with other tests.
What kind of results can we expect?
Your doctor will look at the images from the test. They will mainly look for areas of bleeding, polyps or other tumors, or inflammation . They will tell you what they find and recommend further tests or treatment.
How long does it take to know the results?
Most test results are available within a week or so . However, some results may take longer. Your doctor will call you to discuss the results.
How accurate is this test?
This test is generally very good at finding problems , but it is not 100% perfect. Its accuracy depends on the clarity (quality) of the images the capsule can take and the condition the doctor is looking for.
When should I talk to the doctor after a capsule endoscopy?
If you have any symptoms of a bowel obstruction after the test, you should call your doctor immediately. Such symptoms include:
- Stomach pain, bloating, or swelling.
- Chest pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Constipation.
- If you feel dehydrated.
- Fever.
- The food is tasteless.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Some important things to remember!
Capsule Endoscopy is a great way for your doctor to look at your entire digestive system. Although it may feel a little strange to swallow a camera, it is very safe and painless. It can give your doctor a lot of important information about your digestive tract, which can help you get better faster.
The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions exactly, both before and during the test. Only then will you be able to get the best results from this. If you have any questions about this capsule or the test, don't be afraid to ask the doctor. They will explain everything to you.
` Capsule endoscopy, small intestine, alimentary canal, stomach problems, diagnosis, camera lens, endoscopy
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