Colonoscopy with endoscopic capsule
"The colon capsule is a reliable method for the diagnosis of colonic lesions. In addition, it is not uncomfortable and the risks to the patient are minimal".
DR. CRISTINA CARRETERO RIBÓN SPECIALIST. DIGESTIVE DEPARTMENT
What is a capsule colonoscopy?
Capsule colonoscopy is an outpatient, non-invasive method of exploring the colon.
It consists of the ingestion of a capsule with two built-in mini-cameras that will take images of the large intestine.
The endoscopic capsule of the colon explores the large intestine in a minimally invasive manner, without the need to admit patients, sedate them or anesthetize them; nor is it necessary to introduce any tube or air or subject them to radiation.
If polyps are detected in the capsule colonoscopy, a conventional colonoscopy may be necessary to remove them.
When is a capsule colonoscopy indicated?
Colonoscopy is the ideal test routinely performed for the early diagnosis of colon cancer.
In addition, your doctor may indicate it when there are other symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements or weight loss.
- Abnormal changes (such as polyps) found on sigmoidoscopy or radiographic tests (CT scan or barium enema).
- Anemia due to low iron (usually when no other cause has been found)
- Blood in the stool or black or tarry stools.
- Follow-up on a previously detected condition, such as polyps or colon cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease).
- Family history of colon cancer.
Diseases in which a capsule colonoscopy is requested:
Do you have any of these diseases?
You may need to have a colonoscopy with a capsule
How is a capsule colonoscopy performed?
Performing the colonoscopy with capsule
The procedure of this endoscopic exploration consists of the ingestion of the capsule by mouth.
From then on, the patient can continue with his normal life, while the images captured by the capsule as it passes through the intestine are recorded on the receiver that must be worn during the day.
After the capsule is expelled, the person being scanned will take the receiver to the medical services, which will download the recorded images to a computer.
Preparation for colonoscopy with capsule
For a correct evaluation of the colon, it is necessary that it is as clean as possible in order to detect the greatest number of lesions.
In the three or four days prior to the exploration it is highly advisable to take a diet without fiber (without fruit, vegetables, legumes, wholemeal products, etc.).
The day before the exploration the patient must clean the colon by ingesting an evacuation solution.
After the test, the patient will be able to lead a completely normal life, resuming his or her normal activity.
The doctor will evaluate all the images collected during the process and will indicate if any complementary tests are necessary.
After colonoscopy with capsule
It is convenient to come accompanied, since the medication administered can markedly alter your reflexes and your sensory capacity.
During the rest of the day, you will avoid driving cars or other types of vehicles or making important decisions.
We suggest that you rest quietly after the scan.
Afterwards, you will be able to live a completely normal life and will have to go on a soft diet the first day, being able to eat normally after a few hours.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Digestive
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Digestive Department of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra is composed of a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.
Our objective is that each diagnosis be carefully established and the treatment plan adjusted to each patient.
Why at the Clinica?
- Medical specialists who are national references.
- Specialized nursing team.
- Endoscopy Unit and High Risk Digestive Tumor Prevention and Consultation Unit to offer the best care to our patients.
Our team of professionals
