Capsule Endoscopy for the GI Tract in Lubbock, TX
Capsule Endoscopy for the GI Tract in Lubbock, TX
Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals use to view the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s a type of endoscopy. It involves swelling a small capsule that contains a tiny wireless camera.
When the capsule is swallowed, its tiny camera takes several pictures as it goes through your gastrointestinal tract. The pictures taken are transmitted and recorded on an external recording device worn on a belt around your waist.
With the images recorded, your doctor can then view your gastrointestinal tract to detect and diagnose any gastrointestinal conditions.
The capsule leaves the body after eight hours or in a few days through a bowel movement.
Capsule Endoscopy for Screening for Short-Segment Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is damaged to the lower portion of the esophagus, a tube that connects the mouth and stomach.
Barrett’s esophagus is usually the result of repeated exposure of the esophagus to stomach acid. The esophagus becomes damaged by the stomach acid. It’s often diagnosed in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that occurs over a long period.
Capsule endoscopy can be used to screen for Barrett’s esophagus. When the capsule is swallowed, the tiny camera takes pictures of the esophagus. The pictures are stored on an external device. Your doctor then views the pictures to see inside your esophagus to check for any damages.
Indications and contraindications
Capsule endoscopy is generally a safe procedure with few risks.
The capsule can get stuck in the digestive tract. This happens in very rare cases and might occur in people with a narrow area, called a stricture, in their digestive tracts. Hence, people with this condition may need to consult a doctor to know if they’re suitable candidates for capsule endoscopy or not.
Who gets a capsule endoscopy procedure?
Who gets a capsule endoscopy procedure
Capsule endoscopy can help your doctor diagnose or rule out possible conditions such as:
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Celiac disease
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Early signs of gastrointestinal cancer
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained bleeding in the small intestine
- Ulcers
If your doctor suspects that you may have any of these conditions, you may need to get a capsule endoscopy.
Capsule endoscopy can as well be used to screen for polyps and do follow-up testing after X-rays or other imaging tests.
Normal Findings of Capsule Endoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy can find the cause of bleeding in the small intestine.
- It can also find the irritated and inflamed areas in the small intestine
- It can find tumors in the small intestine or other parts of the digestive tract.
- It can be used to view inside the esophagus for veins that are larger than normal and other damages.
- It can be used to check inside the small intestine for polyps.
Swallowable Wireless Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small capsule that contains a wireless tiny camera. The tiny camera takes hundreds to thousands of pictures of the small intestine and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract and the capsule moves through the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Outcomes of Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure. It is used by doctors to diagnose or rule out possible conditions that may affect the small intestine and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
The outcomes of the procedure will determine the next course of action that will be taken by your doctor. If nothing is found, you’re free to go back home but if the images show that something is wrong, your doctor will determine the best treatment option for you.
When should I know the results of the test?
The tiny camera in the capsule takes thousands of photos that are transmitted and stored on an external storage device. The images are sent to a computer that then puts all the images together to make a video.
Your doctor will then watch the video to look for unusual areas or tumors within your digestive tract. It might take a few days to a week or longer for your doctor to document the results of all the images. When the results are ready, your doctor will share the results with you.
When should I call my doctor after a capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a safe procedure that doesn’t cause any severe side effects. However, there are minor side effects that can occur during and after the procedure.
These include nausea, vomiting, cramps, pain in your belly, or trouble swallowing. You can call your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these side effects.
Also, in rare cases, the capsule may not go out from your body after a bowel movement. If your body doesn’t get rid of the capsule through a bowel movement within two weeks, you should call your doctor.
Does Medicare cover a capsule endoscopy in Lubbock, TX?
Not all situations where capsule endoscopy is needed may be considered medically necessary. This means that Medicare may not cover capsule endoscopy for all conditions or situations.
However, Medicare may cover capsule endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding and cancer. Make adequate research and contact the Medicare customer care line to know if they cover capsule endoscopy.
How long does it take to pass an endoscopy capsule?
It takes about eight hours for the capsule to travel through your gastrointestinal tract. The tiny camera inside the capsule takes thousands of images during this period.
After the images are taken, it takes a few days to a week or longer for your doctor to document the results of all the images. When the results are ready, your doctor will share the results with you.
Is a capsule endoscopy better than a normal endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is more comfortable than a normal endoscopy. All that you need to do is to swallow the capsule with water. After swallowing the capsule, you may leave the clinic and go back home or continue with your normal daily activities.
You will need to wear the adhesive sensors and recording device on your waist for the rest of the day. You can come back to the clinic after eight hours.
Capsule endoscopy shows clearly the inside of the small intestine which can’t be easily reached with the normal endoscopy. Your doctor is able to view thousands of images of your small intestine and other parts of your gastrointestinal tract which is not possible with the normal endoscopy.
How long do capsule endoscopy results take?
It can take a few days to a week or longer for your doctor to document the results of all the images taken.
What is the success rate of capsule endoscopy?
The success rate of capsule endoscopy is higher than normal endoscopy procedures. It has an overall success rate of about 60%.
Can I eat normally after a capsule endoscopy?
You’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 12 hours before the procedure. You may also be asked to take a laxative to clean out your small intestine before the procedure.
This will allow the camera to get clear pictures of your gastrointestinal tract.
You will need to wait for two hours after you swallow the capsule before you can start drinking clear liquids. You can have a light lunch or a snack after four hours unless your doctor tells you not to.
The procedure will be completed in about 8 hours, after which, you can continue with your normal eating habits.
Book the Best Capsule Endoscopy at Lubbock Gastroenterology in Lubbock, TX
Book the Best Capsule Endoscopy at Lubbock Gastroenterology in Lubbock, TX
To ensure that you get accurate results, we always recommend that you get a capsule endoscopy from a reputable provider like Lubbock Gastroenterology.
Lubbock Gastroenterology is a medical facility in Lubbock, Texas, that provides various diagnostic procedures to check for gastrointestinal conditions.
Dr. Sameer Islam is an extensively trained and experienced gastroenterologist. He ensures that patients get accurate diagnostic results.
Contact Dr. Islam today or book an appointment to get a Capsule Endoscopy at Lubbock Gastroenterology.
