Small bowel video capsule endoscopy is an innovative, non-invasive procedure used to examine the small intestine, which is difficult to reach using traditional endoscopy techniques. At Southwest Gastroenterology, we use the latest in capsule technology to provide clear, high-quality images of the small bowel.
The patient swallows a small, pill-sized camera that travels through the gastrointestinal tract, transmitting thousands of images to a recording device worn on a belt. This allows our specialists to identify bleeding sources, Crohn’s disease, tumors, or unexplained iron deficiency anemia.
This procedure requires no sedation and has minimal preparation compared to traditional endoscopy. It is ideal for patients who cannot undergo more invasive procedures or for whom prior tests have yielded inconclusive results.
After the capsule is ingested, patients can typically resume normal activities while the device records data. The capsule is naturally passed during a bowel movement.
Our team at Southwest Gastroenterology carefully reviews the captured images to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide further treatment if necessary.