Capsule Endoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy is an endoscopic process where a pill-sized capsule, which has a camera and a battery in it, is ingested by the patient and employed to capture a series of pictures of the small bowel or intestine. Approximately 60,000 pictures are transmitted, which, when compiled, in essence, provide a "movie" of the small bowel.
At Gastroenterology Associates, a small bowel capsule endoscopy procedure is usually performed to identify the primary reason for inexplicable bleeding or anemia. It can be conducted to evaluate the small bowel to extensively investigate an atypical x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Connect with our GI doctors in Baton Rouge, LA to schedule a capsule endoscopy to ensure your intestinal health is prioritized.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You should be given details and instructions from your GI doctor regarding how to prepare for your capsule endoscopy. In most situations, patients will be advised to eat as they normally do the day prior to the procedure. You will receive instruction to refrain from consuming anything via your mouth any later than 7 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is of the utmost importance to adhere to the instructions provided to you by your specialist. There will likely also be supplemental instructions regarding your medications. In most instances, your medications can be continued as usual a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, in specific situations, such as in individuals on blood thinners (i.e., Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in diabetics, additional instructions will be provided.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be directed to arrive at the endoscopy center or office 30 minutes before your appointed procedure. This is to make sure you have time to complete the necessary forms and prepare for the capsule endoscopy procedure. You will be asked to don a vest that holds the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. After the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.
After you swallow the pill capsule, you can leave the endoscopy office. You will wear the vest for the next eight hours. You will be permitted to drink clear liquids once two hours have elapsed after the exam and can eat a normal meal after four hours. After eight hours, you will return to the endoscopy office, and the vest can be removed. To find out more about receiving a capsule endoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA, please request a consultation with one of our gastroenterologists at your earliest convenience.
When will I get the results from my capsule endoscopy?
When your exam is complete, the images obtained from the capsule will be downloaded into a software program that creates a "movie" of your small intestine. It could take your specialist several hours to carefully review these photos, so procedure results are generally ready within a week. We will get in touch when your results are ready.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
Typically, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is an extremely safe procedure. Overall, complications develop in less than 1% of patients. Generally, these complications are not life-threatening; however, should a complication arise, it may require a hospital stay and/or surgery. Before your exam, the Gastroenterology Associates nursing staff will review a consent form with you.
One possible risk is that the pill capsule could become caught in the intestinal tract, resulting in a blockage. This would likely lead to surgery and hospitalization.
It is essential to call your provider promptly if any symptoms arise after the capsule endoscopy, like increasing abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
As with any other procedure, a small bowel capsule endoscopy may not be perfect. There is a small, accepted risk that abnormalities, including malignancies, might be missed at the time of the procedure. It is important to continue to follow up with your provider as advised and make them aware of any new or persistent symptoms.
What are alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
The alternate options for a capsule endoscopy will depend on the reason for needing a small bowel capsule endoscopy in the first place. In most situations, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the ideal alternative to evaluate concerns in the small intestine. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through can also examine the small intestine. An enteroscopy exam can also be used to evaluate the upper portion of the small intestine and can be utilized for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment to assist you
To undergo an evaluation of your small intestine in a noninvasive manner, Gastroenterology Associates provides the capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy is often performed to identify the cause of bleeding, anemia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and to investigate abnormal x-rays. Our Baton Rouge, LA GI doctors will do everything they can to ensure that your health is optimized throughout all life stages. For more information or to request a consultation, contact your nearest Gastroenterology Associates location.
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