Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy - Montreal

Small bowel capsule endoscopy uses a swallowable pill-sized device to capture images of the small intestine to identify any abnormalities of the inner intestinal lining. After you swallow the data recorder, which is roughly the size of a large vitamin pill, it travels through your gastrointestinal tract and captures several images that are sent wirelessly to a small data recorder worn on your person. Unlike a typical upper endoscopy, no flexible tube is inserted. This study helps evaluate unexplained bleeding, and is used to investigate conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, small intestine tumors, as well as symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain.

At our gastro clinic in Montreal, this safe procedure supports accurate assessment of the gastrointestinal tract when standard gastrointestinal endoscopy has not led to a conclusive diagnosis or explanation of underlying symptoms.

Capsule Endoscopy - What to Expect

Preparation

You'll need to follow a clear liquid diet, for 10-12 hours, and fast in order to prepare the bowel before swallowing the capsule.

During the Test

You'll swallow a capsule that contains a camera. As it moves through your digestive tract, it takes pictures that are transmitted to a recorder you wear. The procedure is painless and takes about 8-12 hours. The capsule can also be placed in the stomach or beginning of the small intestine.

After the Test

The capsule will pass naturally in your stool. Your doctor will review the images to diagnose conditions affecting your small intestine.

Advantages and Limitations

Video capsule endoscopy captures high-quality images of the small-intestine lining as the capsule travels, helping evaluate inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac changes, potentially pre-cancerous polyps, tumors, and sources of bleeding.

On the other hand, an MRI scan is sometimes used to provide a complementary view by producing imaging of the abdomen without a camera inside the bowel. In practice, capsule endoscopy is used for detailed mucosal visualization, while an MRI scan can help when additional imaging is needed or to compare findings.

Rare complications of capsule studies include capsule retention, especially after bowel surgery or strictures. Your clinician may review capsule results alongside MRI findings to complete your assessment.

Book Your Capsule Endoscopy Procedure Test in Montreal

Gastro Westmount provides comprehensive care for all your digestive system health needs, with small bowel capsule endoscopy offered among our medical services.

Our team guides you through preparation, the recording period, and next steps, so you know what to expect at every stage. Results are reviewed to support your ongoing care plan.

To get started, please request an appointment or call (514) 370-3761.

General Disclaimer:
These procedures and tests help diagnose and manage a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the best outcomes and discuss any concerns you may have with them.

Resources: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482306/

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