The capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool consisting of recording images of the small intestine by means of a camera which is swallowed like a pill.
The procedure is very simple, and consist of swallowing the capsule at the office. Previously the patient must have fasted, and have had a low-fiber diet for the three previous days, and liquid diet the previous day, avoiding treatments with non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs and iron.
Once swallowed, the capsule is able to capture 2 to 3 photos per second, which are recorded by a few sensors placed on the abdomen skin and connected to a recorder in a belt. The battery lasts for 9 hours approximately.
After the procedure is over the recorder is connected to the work unit and the images (50000 approximately) are loaded to the computer. Afterwards, the doctor will read those images and videos and will prepare the report.
The main contraindication is the presence of stenosis at small bowel. Unfortunately, in many cases it is not possible to detect this stenosis even using radiological studies. In cases of high suspicion, a non-recordable, biodegradable capsule (Patency ™) can be given. This way, if no stenosis is present, the biodegradable capsule will come out intact. If a stenosis is present, this capsule will come out broken or will be degradated at the site of the stenosis.
