Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure in which a pill, containing a miniaturized camera, passes through your digestive system over the course of eight hours and takes a video of your GI tract. The pill transmits images wirelessly at a rate of two frames per second to a portable computer worn on your belt. This technology is a significant advancement in the diagnosis of previously difficult to identify GI conditions, such as sources of bleeding and anemia (lacking red blood cells which carry oxygen) within the small bowel. It also helps diagnose Crohn's disease, determine the cause of chronic abdominal pain, and investigate abnormal imaging of the GI tract.

Click to learn more about video capsule endoscopy (see "dianosing intestinal bleeding").

Video Capsule Endoscopy Procedure Instructions

Download Procedure Instructions

1 Week Before Exam

Discontinue medications containing iron. This includes multivitamins with iron.

1 Day Before Exam

At noon, begin a clear liquid diet (NO red or purple liquids):

• Water
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
• Gatorade, Pedialyte, or Powerade
• Carbonated & non-carbonated soft drinks
• Kool-Aid or other fruit-flavored drinks
• Strained fruit juices (no pulp)
• Jell-O, popsicles and hard candy

10 Hours Before Exam

Stop drinking all liquids.

Day of Exam

• You may take necessary medications up to 2 hours before your exam with 4 oz of water.
• Our staff will discuss your medication schedule and any additional instructions with you when you arrive.
• Our staff will place a belt with sensors across your abdomen.
• For your comfort, please wear an upper garment of thin, natural fiber cloth (such as a T-shirt) that is long enough to reach the hip level. When you leave your exam You may drive yourself home after the procedure.