Capsule Endoscopy in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves a procedure using endoscopy wherein a pill/capsule, which contains a camera and battery, is swallowed by the patient and is then utilized to capture multiple images of the small intestine or bowel. Around 60,000 pictures are transmitted, which, when put together, in essence provide a "movie" of the patient's small intestine.
At Arizona Digestive Health, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is generally conducted to identify the primary reason for unexplained bleeding or anemia. It can be employed to assess the small bowel to extensively assess an atypical x-ray, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Contact our GI doctors in Phoenix, AZ to request a capsule endoscopy to make certain the health of your intestinal system is maintained.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You will receive clear directions from your GI physician regarding the necessary way to prepare for an upcoming capsule endoscopy. In most cases, patients will be advised to eat normally the day before the exam. You will be instructed to refrain from taking anything via your mouth after 7 p.m. the night prior to the capsule endoscopy. It is crucial to adhere to the directions given to you by your specialist. There will also be supplemental directions regarding your medications. In the majority of instances, your medications will be continued as usual a few hours following ingestion of the pill capsule. However, in certain circumstances, specifically in individuals on blood thinners (such as Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in those with diabetes, specialized direction will be provided.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be directed to enter the endoscopy center or office 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam. This is to provide time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the capsule endoscopy procedure. You will be asked to wear a vest which will hold the monitors that will receive the transmitted images. Once the vest is on, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.
After the pill capsule is swallowed, you will be able to leave the endoscopy center. You will wear the vest for the subsequent eight hours. You will be able to consume clear liquids after two hours have elapsed after the exam and may have a normal meal after four hours. Once eight hours have passed, you will come back to the endoscopy unit and the vest will be removed. To hear more about undergoing a capsule endoscopy in Phoenix, AZ, please reserve a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists at your earliest convenience.
When will I get my results from my capsule endoscopy?
After the procedure is complete, the images obtained from the capsule are downloaded to a software program that produces a "movie" of your small intestine. It could take your specialist a number of hours to completely view these images. Results are typically ready inside of a week. You will typically be called by the ordering specialist's office with the capsule endoscopy results.
What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
In general, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is a very safe process. Overall, complications develop in fewer than 1% of individuals. Typically these complications are not life-threatening, still, if a complication occurs, it might require a hospital stay and surgery. Before the exam, a consent form will be discussed with the patient by the Arizona Digestive Health nursing staff.
One possible risk is that the pill capsule could get caught in the intestine, resulting in a blockage. This would likely require surgery and a hospital stay.
It is very important to contact your doctor's office immediately if any symptoms arise after the capsule endoscopy, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
As with any other medical procedure, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not flawless. There is a small, acknowledged risk that abnormalities, including cancers, may go undetected during the procedure. It is important to maintain follow-ups with your doctor as directed and make him/her aware of any ongoing or new symptoms.
Are there alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To an extent, the alternatives to the exam will rely upon the cause of requiring a small bowel capsule endoscopy to begin with. In most cases, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the ideal approach to evaluate issues in the small intestine. However, an x-ray referred to as a small-bowel-follow-through may be employed to assess the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy exam can also be used to evaluate the upper part of the small bowel and can be employed for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment to assist you
To undergo an examination of your small bowel in a nonsurgical way, contact us for a consultation at Arizona Digestive Health. Capsule endoscopy in Phoenix, AZ is just one of the ways in which our gastrointestinal doctors will do everything they possibly can to ensure your health is kept secure throughout all seasons of life.
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Dr. Randolph has been my doctor for several years and I am well informed on my digestive health. He does a great job of explaining procedures in terms that the average person understands. I have had colonoscopies, endoscopies and a capsule endoscopy without any pain or discomfort.
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