Capsule Endoscopy in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves a procedure using endoscopy wherein a pill-sized capsule (which has a camera and a battery in it) is ingested and is then used to capture images of the small intestine or bowel. An estimated 60,000 photos are captured, which, when put together, essentially provide a "movie" of the small intestine.
At Digestive Health Center, a small bowel pill endoscopy procedure is typically conducted to identify the cause of inexplicable bleeding or anemia. It may be used to assess the small bowel to further assess an atypical X-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Call our gastroenterology providers in Thibodaux, LA to schedule a capsule endoscopy at your nearest Digestive Health Center location to ensure your intestinal health is protected.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You should be given instructions and details from your GI doctor about what you need to do prior to your capsule endoscopy. You can likely expect to eat normally the day before the exam; however, you should refrain from eating anything after 7 p.m. It is of the utmost importance to adhere to the instructions given to you by your doctor. There will also be supplemental instructions in regard to your medications. In the majority of cases, you can continue your medications as usual. However, in certain situations, specifically in patients on blood thinners (i.e. Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) and in those with diabetes, special instructions will be given. If you have any questions about the instructions we provide, feel free to reach out to your Thibodaux, LA, GI specialist for clarification.
What happens on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be directed to arrive for your procedures 30 minutes early. This allows you time to fill out necessary patient forms and complete any preparation for the capsule endoscopy exam. You will be instructed to place a vest on which holds the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. After the vest is placed on, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.
After the capsule is swallowed, you will be able to leave the endoscopy office. You will keep the vest on for the following eight hours. You will be able to drink clear liquids once two hours have passed and may have a regular meal after four hours. After the eight-hour timeframe, you will come back to the endoscopy office and the vest will be removed. To find out more about receiving a capsule endoscopy in Thibodaux, LA, please request a consultation with one of our GI physicians today.
When will I receive the results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once your capsule endoscopy is complete, the images retrieved from the capsule are downloaded to a software program that generates a "movie" of your small intestine. It can take your physician a number of hours to thoroughly review these photos. Exam results are generally ready within a week. One of our team members will reach out to you with your capsule endoscopy results.
Are there any risks with a capsule endoscopy?
Overall, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is an extremely safe procedure. Statistically, complications occur in fewer than 1% of patients. Typically these complications are not life-threatening. Still, if a complication does occur, it may require hospitalization and/or surgery. Prior to your capsule endoscopy exam, the Digestive Health Center nursing staff will review a consent form with you.
One possible risk is that the pill capsule could become lodged in the intestinal tract, resulting in an obstruction. This would typically require hospitalization and surgery.
It is vital to contact your GI provider if symptoms develop after the capsule endoscopy, like worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.
Just like any other procedure, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not flawless. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that conditions, such as malignancies, can be missed during the exam. It is vital to maintain follow-ups with your provider as advised and particularly if you experience any ongoing or new symptoms.
What are alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain extent, the alternate options to this exam 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 approach to evaluating issues in the small bowel. However, an X-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through may be utilized to examine the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy exam is another option for evaluating the upper part of the small intestine and can be used for therapy.
Noninvasive treatment to assist you
To get an evaluation of your small intestine in a noninvasive way, contact Digestive Health Center for capsule endoscopy in Thibodaux, LA. Capsule endoscopy is just one of the avenues in which our GI providers will do everything they can to make sure your health is maintained throughout all seasons of life. For more information, call your nearest Louisiana location to request a consultation.
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