Capsule Endoscopy

What is a capsule endoscopy (Pillcam)?
A capsule endoscopy (or PillCam) uses a camera inside of a special capsule (the size of a large tablet) which is swallowed and passes through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel and large bowel (colon). The camera transmits the images to a recorder wirelessly, which is carried over your shoulder (similar to a small handbag) for the day. The capsule endoscope allows the specialist to perform a detailed examination of the small bowel, which is about 6 metres long and is not reachable with a gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

Why do I need a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy can detect inflammation, ulcers, abnormal growths and bleeding in the small bowel. The procedure is used to look for cancer and can help to work out the cause for unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding, low red blood cells (anaemia), iron deficiency and weight loss.

How is a capsule endoscopy performed?
A capsule endoscopy requires no anaesthetic and is not in any way painful. You are able to drive yourself to and from the appointment if you wish and are able to do most of your usual daily activities with the recorder attached.

A thorough inspection of the small bowel usually takes about 8 hours. You will be asked to arrive for your appointment between 8.00 AM and 9.00 AM and return between 5.00 PM and 5.30 PM. For patients that live a great distance from us, and who have no alternative options, we may (subject to availability) be able to offer the option of removing the capsule recorder yourself and returning it to us the next morning.

Ultimately, the capsule will pass into the large bowel and be passed naturally into the toilet with stool. There is no need to retrieve the capsule. Once the recorder is returned, your GSG specialist will review the recording and will follow up with you (usually one week later) once the images has been interpreted.

What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare. The most significant risk is that the capsule can become lodged in the small bowel. This is a rare complication affecting less than 1 in 200 people. If this occurs, another procedure (possibly including surgery) may be required to remove the capsule. If the capsule fails to enter the colon before the camera battery runs out, an x-ray may be required to ensure the capsule has passed into the colon. Your GSG specialist will be in touch with you if this is required. As with all new technology, occasionally the capsule endoscopes fail for technical reasons, the only complication of which is requiring a repeat procedure.

Please feel free to discuss any of these complications with your specialist if you would like more information prior to your procedure.

I still have some questions. Where can I go?
For further information, please browse through our Info Section, catch us through our Contact Us page or reach out to our friendly Gippsland Specialist Group staff on (03) 5630 8800.

We also have some other Info Sheets on our website about capsule endoscopy that might help - please click here.
To download this Capsule Endoscopy Information page as a pdf - please click here.