Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (Pill Cam)

Capsule endoscopy is a technique designed to allow doctors to visualize the most inaccessible parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The small bowel capsule is an ingestible camera in a pill, approximately the size of a large vitamin, which passes
through the patient’s GI tract, taking about 50,000-60,000 digital images for the doctor’s review. The vast majority of capsule endoscopy studies are for visualization of the small bowel (intestine). There are also capsule devices for use in the esophagus and the colon.

Why is Capsule Endoscopy Done?

Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate the small intestine. This part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common
reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful
for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.