Patient-Information

A look into what capsule endoscopy entails and some commonly asked questions about capsule endoscopy.

General Overview

Initial Questions

The test is an accurate way of looking at the lining of the colon. The procedure involves swallowing a capsule that is roughly the size of a vitamin pill. The capsule will then pass through your digestive tract.

As it travels through your colon, the capsule will take thousands of images. Throughout the process you will also be required to drink 1-3 “boosters” to stimulate the movement of your bowel and to help with the excretion of the capsule.

The length of the procedure varies greatly from individual to individual.

Why do I need to have a capsule endoscopy?

You have been advised to undergo this investigation of your colon to help find the cause of your symptoms, thereby facilitating treatment, or monitor previous interventions and if necessary to decide on further investigations.

What do I have to do to prepare?

For the test to be successful clear views of your colon are absolutely critical, therefore adherence to the bowel preparation is essential. It is important you follow the instructions shown here as they vary slightly from the instructions on the packaging of the laxative. A telephone call or video call will be arranged to discuss these instructions in detail.

Smoking is not advised as it affects the blood supply to the gut and may therefore affect what is seen by the capsule. When attending the appointment, you will be fitted with the belt and recorder necessary to track and record the images.

Please wear loose fitting 2-piece clothing e.g. a t-shirt with jogging bottoms or skirt/trousers with an elasticated waist. This is recommended for both the appointment and the procedure.

What if I am currently taking medication?

We advise the following for these specific medications:

Oral Iron or Sucralfate Tablets
- Should be stopped 1 week prior to your appointment.
Anti-spasmodic Tablets (e.g. Colofac)
- Should be stopped 2 days prior to our appointment.
Antacids (e.g. Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, etc.)
- Should be stopped 2 days prior to your appointment.

Please bring a list of all medication prescribed to you by your GP plus any other tablets that you take. You should be able to continue the procedure on any other medication, but if you are unsure, please contact us.

What does the procedure consist of?

Pre-procedure

Three days before:
- You may eat and drink normally
- You will take 1 sachet of Laxido in the morning and evening
Two days before:
- You may eat and drink normally
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water (2 litres) in addition to the amount you usually consume
- You will take 1 sachet of Laxido in the morning and evening
One day before:
- Clear fluids only
- You can drink clear fluids freely until bedtime
- Prepare and drink Klean Prep or Moviprep as advised

Procedure day

After completing your preparation with the final cleansing, continue to drink clear liquids until one hour before the procedure and then stop drinking any liquids.
You will then meet your nurse to fit your equipment and begin the procedure
Once capsule is ingested, you are able to move freely. You will need to visit the toilet frequently throughout the day as you will be drinking some boosters and Clear liquids only
On average the capsule will naturally excrete 3-12 hours after ingestion and you can easily flush it away

Post procedure

Once the capsule has been excreted, flush it down the toilet
Remove belt and recorder
Remove any single use protection from the belt
Place belt and recorder in the bag or box provided
Return everything at the arranged location at the arranged time

Ready?

Small Bowel and Colon capsule endoscopy is available through more and more doctors across Europe or directly at our medical center in Hamburg. Depending on your location, doctor referral and insurance, it can be delivered at your home, a local service center or a medical center. Please contact us for details.

Please contact us for details.