Pillcam Study
A Pillcam study, also known as a capsule endoscopy, is a procedure in which a patient swallows a small capsule that contains a camera. The capsule travels through the digestive system and takes pictures of the GI tract. The pictures are transmitted to a recording device that the patient wears on a belt around their waist. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require sedation.
A Pillcam study is often used to diagnose problems in the small intestine, such as inflammation, bleeding, or abnormalities. It can help identify the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss. The procedure is typically done when other tests, such as X-rays or endoscopy, are not able to provide a clear diagnosis.
Benefits & Risks
There are benefits and some potential risks associated with a Pillcam study, such as the capsule getting stuck in the digestive tract. However, this risk is rare. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks with you before the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Benefits:
- Non-invasive procedure that does not require sedation.
- Can help diagnose problems in the small intestine that may not be visible with other imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans.
- Can help identify the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss.
Risks:
- There is a small risk of the capsule getting stuck in the digestive tract, although this is rare.
- The procedure may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns) or a stricture (narrowing) in the small intestine.
Overall, the benefits of a Pillcam study in diagnosing problems in the small intestine usually outweigh the potential risks.
FAQs
A Pillcam study is performed by swallowing a small capsule that contains a camera. The capsule travels through the digestive system and takes pictures of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The pictures are transmitted to a recording device that the patient wears on a belt around their waist. The procedure is non-invasive and does not require sedation.
A Pillcam study takes about 8 hours to complete. The capsule is typically passed in the stool within 24 hours of ingestion.
You should not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the Pillcam study. You will also be asked to avoid drinking water for at least an hour before the procedure. You may be given a special drink to help flush the capsule through your system.
There are some potential risks associated with a Pillcam study, such as the capsule getting stuck in the digestive tract or causing an allergic reaction. However, these risks are rare. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks with you before the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Yes, you will be able to go about your normal activities during the study. You should avoid activities that involve a lot of movement, such as running or jumping, as this may interfere with the transmission of the pictures from the capsule to the recording device.
There is a possibility that the Pillcam study may miss some problems in the digestive tract, as it only takes pictures of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. If the doctor suspects a problem in a different part of the digestive tract, such as the large intestine, they may recommend a different test, such as a colonoscopy.
Your doctor will review the images taken by the capsule and discuss the results with you. They may also provide you with a copy of the images or a written report. If any abnormalities or problems are found, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan.
Coverage for a Pillcam study may vary depending on your insurance plan and the reason for the test. You should check with your insurance provider to determine if the procedure is covered.