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Capsule Endoscopy

WHAT IS A PILLCAM CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY?

Small bowel capsule endoscopy is a test which allows us to look internally at the lining of your small bowel (intestine). By doing so it may help us to establish reasons for your symptoms. You will be asked to swallow a capsule containing a small camera. As the capsule passes through it will transmit visual images of the lining of your small bowel. These images will be detected by sensors inside a belt that will be placed over your abdomen and connected to a small recording device. This device will be held securely in a pouch and strap, which will be worn over your shoulder. Once the capsule has been swallowed you will be allowed home and asked to return the equipment the following morning.  

PREGNANCY

You are unable to have a capsule endoscopy procedure if you are pregnant so please inform the gastroenterology unit as soon as possible if this is the case. If you have any problems or queries in relation to your capsule procedure, please contact us on the telephone number at the end of the leaflet.  

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE

We use an oral laxative called Plenvu to ensure there is limited stool in the bowel so that the images taken are high quality. The Plenvu contains one sachet. This should be mixed with 500 mls of water and drunk between 6pm-7pm the day before the procedure. It is important to drink a further 1 litre of water or clear fluids during the evening.

 

  Instructions
Day Before Appointment Eat lunch at midday. No more food thereafter. Clear fluids allowed until midnight. Drink Plenvu between 6pm and 7pm.
Day of Appointment Do not have any fluid until after you have taken the capsule at your appointment. Attend appointment and swallow capsule with a small amount of water. No more fluids for a further 2 hours. No more food for 4 hours. You may then eat and drink normally.
Day after Appointment It is essential to return the equipment to the Gastroenterology reception

 

Medication

Any medication must be taken at least 2 hours before your appointment with minimal fluid. Oral iron tablets should be stopped one week before your procedure. Loperamide / Lomotil (antimotility drugs) If you regularly take Loperamide, Lomotil or another medicine to control diarrhoea, you are advised to stop taking it one week prior to your procedure. If you are concerned or have any problems, please contact the Gastroenterology Unit on 01603 288169 for advice (see below). Clear Fluids

  • Water
  • Squash
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Clear strained soup or clear stock. Aim for two litres in total the day before your appointment.
  • You can drink tea or coffee without milk

 

TAKING THE CAPSULE

During your appointment, a Nurse or Doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to consent to the procedure, so we have enclosed a consent form for you to read before you come for your appointment. This is to ensure that you understand the test and the implications/risks. Please bring it with you to your appointment but DO NOT sign it until AFTER you have had a discussion with the Nurse or Doctor at your appointment. Risks and complications The capsule will pass through your bowel over the next few days in your normal bowel movements. You may or may not notice this. When we examine the video, we would ensure the capsule has passed into your large bowel. If it has not, then we may contact you to arrange an x-ray. If the capsule is retained, you may need an endoscopy or operation to retrieve the capsule. Please tell staff if you have any swallowing difficulties. Very occasionally capsules can go down the windpipe (1:1000). We hope that your visit to the Gastroenterology unit will be made as pleasant as possible for you; however please be aware that this is an emergency department and any emergencies will take priority over outpatient appointment times and this may result in delays to your appointment. Appointment times are approximate as we try to give each individual as much time as he or she needs, so we would ask you to be patient if you experience delays and be assured, we are doing our utmost to ensure appointments are on time.  

AFTER TAKING THE CAPSULE

After your appointment you are free to go home and go about your normal activities immediately afterwards. If you notice that the capsule passes through your bowel into the toilet you do not have to retrieve it. You must return the equipment the following morning. Discharge Advice

  • Avoid strong electromagnetic fields, such as MRI scans after swallowing the capsule and until it has passed through your small bowel (usually 24 hours)
  • Do not disconnect the equipment at any time during the procedure. Please remove the belt and recorder in the pouch at 9pm. You do not need to wear the equipment the following day.
  • Please return the equipment to the reception of the Gastroenterology Unit the next morning.