Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is one of the many innovative diagnostic tools the team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, uses to evaluate your digestive tract. Hussein Abidali, DO, and the team may recommend a capsule endoscopy if a traditional upper endoscopy fails to determine the cause of your gastrointestinal symptoms. To learn more about capsule endoscopy and how it might benefit you, call the office or request a consultation online today.

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic test that allows the team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., to examine the lining of your entire small intestine. The capsule endoscopy uses a small pill-size camera that you swallow to examine this part of your digestive tract. 

The camera takes thousands of pictures as it moves through your digestive tract, which are then sent to a small recording device you wear on your waist. Your gastroenterologist closely examines these images to determine a diagnosis.

Why would I need capsule endoscopy?

The capsule endoscopy allows the gastroenterology team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., to examine the part of the bowel they can’t reach with an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy.

The team may recommend a capsule endoscopy if the results of your upper endoscopy or colonoscopy are inconclusive or if the team suspects you have a condition that affects the small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease.

How do I prepare for capsule endoscopy?

The team requests you have an empty stomach before you swallow the pill-sized camera. This means you have to stop eating and drinking about 12 hours before your test starts. 

You may also need to make adjustments to your medication schedule.

What can I expect during capsule endoscopy?

Your capsule endoscopy starts at the office. Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and then attaches a sensor device to your abdomen. You then swallow the pill-sized endoscope and leave the office. 

You can resume most of your usual activities after you swallow the camera. However, the team requests that you continue to fast for two hours and then drink only clear liquids. You can eat a light meal about four hours after you start the test. You must also avoid any jumping or strenuous physical activity during your capsule endoscopy.

The capsule naturally passes through your digestive tract, taking pictures along the way. The entire test takes about eight hours. 

What happens after capsule endoscopy?

After your capsule endoscopy, you return to the office and hand over the data recorder. The gastroenterologists at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., review the images and schedule a consultation to discuss their findings.

You pass the pill-sized endoscope in your stool and flush it down the toilet. 

To learn more about capsule endoscopy, call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., or request an appointment online today.