Capsule Endoscopy

General Information about a Capsule Endoscopy

Thank you for considering to have a Capsule Endoscopy with us. We feel it is very important for you to take the time to read the following document carefully, and if you have any unresolved issues following completion of this document, please bring these up with your doctor or Dr Lynch prior to the procedure.

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a method by which the small bowel is visualised by the swallowing of a capsule that contains a tiny camera. Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy only obtain limited views of the small bowel and hence there is a large section of small bowel that remains unvisualised. Once the capsule has been swallowed it transmits photographs of the lining of the small bowel to a recording devise worn outside the body. It is generally a safe procedure, however, if you have a pace maker inserted it may interfere with the proper functioning of this and you will need to notify us if such is the case. Further, if there is anything to suggest that you may have an obstruction of the small bowel, at which point the capsule may get stuck, we would like to be notified.

Patients that are at particularly high risk of the capsule getting stuck include:

• People that have been on Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• People who have had previous surgery in the small bowel
• People who have had previous radiotherapy to their abdomen
• People with previous episodes of small bowel obstruction
• People with certain diseases such as Crohns disease

Clearly, if you have any concerns with regards to this please feel free to contact Dr. Lynch's rooms at which point you can discuss these issues further.