Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Capsule endoscopy allows you to visualize the entire digestive tract, including the small intestine, the examination of which using traditional methods gives poor or even impossible results. Thus, the endoscopic capsule allows for the diagnosis of diseases of the small intestine, the diagnosis of which has been delayed or not made at all. What is capsule endoscopy? What are the indications for the test and how to prepare for it?

Capsule endoscopyisexamination,which allows for precise imaging of the entire digestive tract, especially the small intestine, which - due to its length and numerous loops - it is difficult to examine with a gastroscope and colonoscope. All thanks to the capsule with a lamp swallowed by the patient, which is connected to a radio transmitter.

Capsule endoscopy - indications for the examination

The indication for capsule endoscopy is the suspicion of a disease of the small intestine that cannot be diagnosed by other tests.

Capsule endoscopy is the best diagnostic method of the small intestine.

If a patient complains of gastrointestinal complaints, such as abdominal pain, enlarged abdominal circumference, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal bleeding, and the diagnosis cannot be made through gastroscopy and colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy is indicated.

Capsule endoscopy can be performed when a malabsorption syndrome is suspected, gastrointestinal polyps, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, small intestine tumor or intestinal damage caused by medications.

Worth knowing

Capsule endoscopy - contraindications

Contraindications for capsule endoscopy are constipation, acute enteritis, intestinal stricture, rupture or fistula. People with a pacemaker (and other electromedical devices), severe iron deficiency anemia and pregnant women cannot take the test.

Capsule endoscopy - how to prepare for the examination?

Iron preparations should be discontinued 3 days before the test, and the day before and on the day of the test - drugs covering the mucosa, e.g. sucralfate. Before capsule endoscopy, an X-ray of the intestinal passage should be performed in order toexclusion of obstruction or narrowing that prevent the administration of the capsule. You should report for the test on an empty stomach (you should not eat or drink anything - including water - for about 10 hours before the test). You should also shave the abdomen 20 cm above and below the belly button.

Capsule endoscopy - what is it?

The doctor fastens the belt around the patient's waist with the image recorder on it. Then he sticks flat antennas to the patient's abdomen, which are connected to the recorder. Then the patient swallows the capsule with the camera.

Pictures of the digestive tract are very accurate, because they are taken at a significant magnification. Therefore, they allow you to see lesions as small as 0.1 centimeters.

During the examination, which lasts about 8 hours, the patient can perform daily activities, but should avoid:

  • excessive exercise, as well as bending and bending
  • smoking
  • stay near sources of strong electromagnetic field (e.g. walkie-talkies)
  • eating for 4 hours after swallowing the capsule

During the examination, the capsule, as it moves along the digestive system, takes photos that are sent to the image recorder. After completing the examination, the patient gives the antennas and the recorder to the doctor. The photos recorded on the recorder are transferred to a computer diagnostic station. The capsule is naturally excreted in the stool within 48 hours of ingestion.

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Research