Capsule Endoscopy (EGD) PillCam SB & Procedure Instructions

PillCam SB (small bowel) capsule endoscopy (EGD) is an outpatient procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to visualize your small intestine and evaluate the small bowel. You will ingest a PillCam SB capsule the size of a large vitamin, which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of the intestine. Your doctor might recommend capsule endoscopy (EGD) to find the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding or diagnose celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or cancer. It can also be used to examine your esophagus or screen for polyps.

Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy PillCam Instructions – 12 Hour

These are not complete instructions but simply an overview. Review and follow your step-by-step patient prep and procedure instructions carefully.

PillCam SB (small bowel) capsule endoscopy (EGD) is an outpatient procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to visualize your small intestine and evaluate the small bowel. You will ingest a PillCam SB capsule the size of a large vitamin, which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of the intestine.

The images are transmitted to the SensorArray, which is attached to a DataRecorder, that saves all the images. The DataRecorder is located on the RecorderBelt, which is worn around your waist.

You will return the DataRecorder and sensor belt to your physician for data processing the next day, before noon. The PillCam SB capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. In the rare case that it is not excreted naturally, it may need to be removed endoscopically or surgically.

Capsule endoscopy (EGD) is a safe procedure that carries few risks. The primary risk with capsule endoscopy (EGD) is possible retention of the device in the small bowel. In patients who undergo the test to evaluate for bleeding, the risk is very low. This small risk might be higher in people who have a condition, such as a tumor, Crohn’s disease or previous surgery that causes a narrowing of the digestive tract. If the capsule hasn’t passed in a bowel movement but isn’t causing signs and symptoms, your doctor might give the capsule more time to leave your body. A capsule causing signs and symptoms that indicate bowel obstruction must be removed, either by surgery or traditional endoscopy (EGD).

Note: The information in this section is provided as a supplement to information discussed with your healthcare provider. It is not intended to serve as a complete description of a particular topic or substitute for a clinic visit.