A capsule endoscopy is a procedure allowing gastroenterologists to view and examine the interior middle portion of the gastrointestinal tract. This area of the gastrointestinal tract includes three sections of the small intestine that cannot be accessed through a traditional colonoscopy or endoscopy. Capsule endoscopies can help determine the cause of bleeding in the small intestine and can be used to detect polyps, tumors and ulcers. Dr. Glenn Madokoro performs capsule endoscopies in Newport Beach, CA.
Capsule Endoscopy Procedure
The capsule endoscopy procedure is performed with a small video camera about the size of a typical pill or capsule. The patient actually swallows this capsule so it can travel down to the small intestine and take pictures of the intestinal lining. During the procedure, the images are sent to a device worn outside the body. After the procedure, the capsule containing the tiny video camera will finish passing through the intestines and be excreted. The entire procedure lasts about eight hours. Extensive physical activity should be avoided immediately afterward.
Preparing for the Procedure
It is important to have an empty stomach during the capsule endoscopy. No food or beverages should be consumed twelve hours prior to the procedure. Prescription or over-the-counter medications might also need to be halted during this time. Let the gastroenterologist know in advance if you are taking any medications so the doctor can determine if those medications might present potential problems. Overall, having a capsule endoscopy done by your Newport Beach gastroenterologist is a straightforward procedure that can detect various problems.
If you need to undergo a capsule endoscopy in the Newport Beach, CA, area, Dr. Madokoro can help. He has extensive experience performing capsule endoscopies and other similar procedures. To find out if you might benefit from having a capsule endoscopy performed, schedule a consultation with Dr. Madokoro by calling (949) 548-8800.