Capsule endoscopy! Know all about it!

 Capsule Endoscopy

What is capsule endoscopy?

The capsule endoscopy is regarded as a major technological disorders, etc. This givestigatis designed to provide of various small bowel diseases, oesophageal disorders, colon disorders, etc. This endoscopy is designed to provide complete examination of GIT (Gastro Intestinal Tract) including images of stomach, colon, small intestine, rectum and large intestine. 

Gavriel Iddan an Israeli electro-optical engineer, invented capsule endoscopy in 2000 and it was approved by U.S. Food and Drug administration in 2001. 

What is the cost of capsule endoscopy?

The cost of capsule endoscopy is around 32,500 in Indian currency. Medical experts believe that smaller the device entering the gastrointestinal tract, the less likely it is to interfere with the immune mechanism. It is painless and non-invasive procedure, which does not require any sedation or hospitalisation. Once swallowed, the capsule begins transmitting the images from inside the body. The data is stored in wireless recorder which is then downloaded to a computer in the form of images that the doctor can study. The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with a bowel movement usually within 24 to 72 hours. 

Process of capsule endoscopy 

The process of capsule endoscopy is illustrated as follows:

The capsule measures about 11 mm (front) x 26 mm (side), size of a vitamin pill. It weighs less than 4 gm. The camera sits inside the capsule which is a wireless device

Patient is required to observe 12 hours fast prior to swallowing the capsule (pill cam) as an empty stomach allows the best and safest examination of digestive tract. Pill cam is taken with water.

Capsule glides smoothly through the digestive tract while transmitting video images.

Wireless recorder worn on a belt around the waist of the patient receives signals transmitted by capsule through the sensors present on the belt. The belt is worn for approximately eight hours.

Capsule searches for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It also helps to search polyps, inflammatory bowel or Crohn's disease, intestinal TB, ulcers, tumours, unexplained abdominal pain and iron deficiency (anaemia). Pill cam films journey through GIT and sends video to the recorder.

At the end of the procedure, data recorder is removed so that images can be to a

downloaded computer for physician review

We hope this knowledge has helped your queries.

Thank you for reading!

Manish Mevada

Urvi Bhanushali