What is a Capsule Endoscopy Procedure?
Capsule Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a small PillCam to visualize the lining of the small intestine. The small intestine, which is located between your stomach and large intestine, is primarily responsible for digesting food and is the source of many of these unexplained symptoms. The PillCam video capsule allows Dr. James Hakert to see your entire small intestine – an organ you could never fully see before this capsule was developed. It also helps Dr. Hakert determine the cause of many unresolved symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia.
James Hakert, M.D. uses the Given Imaging PillCam SB video capsule when performing Capsule Endoscopy procedures. To learn more about how the Given Imaging PillCam SB works watch the video below or visit their website at
http://www.givenimaging.com.
What Preparation is Required Prior to a Capsule Endoscopy Procedure?
-
The Day before Capsule Endoscopy
- For the entire day prior to the SB capsule endoscopy examination, start the clear liquid diet your gastroenterologist has prescribed.
-
Do not eat any solid foods until 4hrs after swallowing capsule.
-
At 6pm begin drinking 10oz of over the counter magnesium citrate
-
After 10pm the evening before the SB capsule endoscopy, do not eat or drink except for necessary medication with a sip of water.
-
Abstain from smoking 24hrs prior to undergoing capsule endoscopy.
-
Day of Capsule Endoscopy
-
At 7:30am take Simethicone tablets (125mg each)
-
Drink only water from 8:30am – 12:30pm.
-
Do not take any medication beginning 2hrs prior to the capsule endoscopy.
-
Arrive at Dr. Hakert’s office at 8am for your capsule endoscopy dressed in loose fitting, two-piece clothing.
-
At 7:30am take Simethicone tablets (125mg each)
-
Drink only water from 8:30am – 12:30pm.
-
Do not take any medication beginning 2hrs prior to the capsule endoscopy.
-
Arrive at Dr. Hakert’s office at 8am for your capsule endoscopy dressed in loose fitting, two-piece clothing.
You can view the complete prep information by clicking on the
Preparation for Capsule Endoscopy link.
What can I Expect During the Capsule Endoscopy?
Plan on arriving at the gastroenterologist’s office around 8am on the day of your procedure.- You will ingest the small capsule (size of a large pill). Once swallowed, the capsule begins transmitting images of the inside of the esophagus, stomach and small bowel to a receiver worn by the patient. The capsule takes two pictures per second, for a total of approximately 55,000 images.
-
After 8 hours, the patient returns the receiver to the doctor who downloads the information to a computer and then can review in detail the 8 hours of pictures of the capsule passing through the intestine, looking for abnormalities that are possible sources of bleeding.
-
After the procedure, the patient will pass the capsule through the colon and it is eliminated in a stool and discarded. This is not painful, and will most likely be unnoticed by the patient.
How will I Know the Results of the Procedure?
Dr. Hakert will process the information from the data recorder and will view the pictures taken by the capsule. After he has looked at this video, you will be contacted with the results. Should you have any questions after your procedure, please contact Dr. Hakert’s office at 214-368-6707.
Is the Capsule Endoscopy Covered by Insurance?
Capsule Endoscopy is a procedure that is covered by most insurance plans. However, as insurance coverage varies, it is suggested that you verify coverage with your insurance provider. If you or your insurance provider should need any clarification from Dr. Hakert’s office, please contact us at 214-368-6707.
