Frequently Asked Questions

Capsule endoscopy is used as an initial diagnosis of a condition, a follow-up to another procedure, or to further evaluate your condition during or after a treatment. Common indications for a capsule endoscopy procedure include evaluation of obscure GI bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, ulcerations, erosions, inflammation, tumors, masses, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, malabsorption, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

If you are pregnant, are unable to swallow the CapsoCam Plus®, or have a known obstruction in your gastrointestinal system, you should not have a CapsoCam procedure. Tell your doctor about any previous abdominal surgeries, medical conditions or known gastrointestinal disease.

Although rare, complications can occur, including failure to excrete the capsule. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel any discomfort during or after the procedure.

You will be instructed not to eat solid food for at least eight hours before the procedure. During this time you may drink clear liquids. This may help ensure optimal visualization of walls of your digestive tract, thereby providing better diagnosis. It will also help achieve the fastest capsule passage and facilitate loose stools for easier retrieval of the capsule, thereby providing better diagnosis. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on preparation. It is important to follow these instructions to prevent repeating the procedure.

After following the preparation instructions, your doctor will instruct you to swallow the CapsoCam Plus® capsule. The capsule will feel like a large vitamin capsule as you swallow it. Swallow the capsule with water as needed. You will not be aware of the capsule as it moves through your digestive system. You can then go about your daily routine depending on your health condition and your doctor’s advice. Two hours after swallowing the capsule you may begin to drink clear liquid again. Four hours after swallowing the capsule, you may eat a light meal. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions during this time. While the capsule is in your body, you may not have an MRI exam or be near an MRI machine. Your doctor will discuss any and all restrictions with you.

CapsoCam Plus® takes thousands of high-resolution pictures as it passes through your digestive system. Using special equipment, your doctor transfers these images to a computer with special software. The software converts the pictures into video format and allows your doctor to carefully examine and diagnose abnormalities within your small intestine.