Procedure - Capsule Endoscopy

Intense digestive pain and other issues could point to a more serious health problem. This is why Ogden Clinic is proud to offer the innovative capsule endoscopy procedure in Utah. Capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to explore the small intestine, an area traditionally hard to view with standard endoscopy procedures.

For this procedure, an Ogden Clinic gastroenterologist will have you swallow a vitamin-sized capsule which is actually a small camera. This camera will be connected to a special recorder on your belt which will track what the camera sees as it moves through your digestive system. Capsule Endoscopy can be used to find and diagnose many different conditions including:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s
• Celiac disease
• Polyps
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Results after a failed X-ray or other imaging test

Preparation

To prepare for a capsule endoscopy procedure at Ogden Clinic you should:

1. Stop eating and drinking 12 hours before your capsule endoscopy procedure begins to ensure a clear picture.
2. Avoid certain medications that may interfere with the camera’s functionality.
3. Limit strenuous activity and heaving lifting after the procedure, so talk to your doctor about whether you can return to work or not.

How It Works

The day of your capsule endoscopy, your doctor will review the procedure and begin by attaching adhesive patches to your abdomen. These patches contain an antenna with wires which connects with a recorder worn on your belt. Once the patches are attached and the recorder is on, your Ogden Clinic gastroenterologist will have you swallow the camera and then resume your day as normal, barring any physically strenuous activity.

Once the camera has been inside your digestive tract for 2 hours, you can resume drinking clear liquids, and resume eating with a light lunch after 4 hours. The camera will continue to make its way through your digestive tract and record data. The procedure is complete when you see the camera in your toilet, after making a bowel movement.

Capsule endoscopy is a very safe procedure with few risks, and may be the best course of treatment for your digestive problems. Contact a gastroenterologist at Ogden Clinic in Utah today to schedule your appointment.