Capsule Endoscopy

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule Endoscopy enables your doctor to examine the three portions (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) of your small intestine. Your doctor will use a vitamin-pill sized video capsule as an endoscope, which has its own camera and light source. While the video capsule travels through your body, images are sent to a data recorder you will wear on a waist belt. Most patients consider the test comfortable. Afterwards, your doctor will view the images on a video monitor.

When is a Capsule Endoscopy used?
Capsule Endoscopy helps your doctor determine the cause for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, or anemia, in most cases where other diagnostic procedures failed to determine the reason for your symptoms. In certain chronic gastrointestinal diseases, the method can help to evaluate the extent to which your small intestine is involved or to monitor the effect of therapeutics. Your doctor might use Capsule Endoscopy to obtain motility data such as gastric or small bowel passage time. There is a rare possibility that the capsule could be retained.

How to prepare?
An empty stomach allows optimal viewing conditions, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately ten hours before the examination. You will be told when to start fasting and if other simple preparations may be ordered. Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take; you might need to adjust your usual dose for the examination. Tell your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker, previous abdominal surgery, swallowing problem or previous history of obstructions in the bowel.

How a capsule Endoscopy performed?
The capsule is ingested and passes naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on a belt for approximately eight hours. You will be able to eat after four hours following the capsule ingestion unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The capsule is disposable and passes naturally with your bowel movement. You should not feel any pain or discomfort during capsule excretion. There is no need to observe post procedure excretion of the capsule since most of the time it is not noticeable.

End of procedure
At the end of the procedure, you will need to return to the office to return the data recorder and sensor array. The images acquired during your exam will be downloaded to a workstation for physician review. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you cannot have a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or be near an MRI device.

Preparations for Procedures

Informed Consent
Informed consent will be obtained for any elective procedure performed by Dr. Llaneza. The patient will receive a full disclosure of the procedure, alternatives, risks, and possible consequences at the time of the visit. Please refer to the procedure descriptions listed under “Procedure Tab” in this website.

Contact Us

Questions About Gastroenterology Services

Our Location

9195 SW 72 Street Miami, FL 33173

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Pedro P. Llaneza M.D., P.A

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed


Holidays

Dr. Llaneza’s office is closed on some
federal holidays and other selected days.