What is capsule endoscopy?

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Capsule endoscopy is a method that allows us to view your entire intestinal system (small intestine and large intestine). Capsule endoscopy is a painless method of imaging the small and large intestines, which does not require anesthesia in patients, can be applied in the practice environment, does not prevent the patient from working at work or at home.  It is a capsule-shaped device, the size of a large vitamin pill, containing a camera and a light source. The capsule is swallowed with a glass of water and images are taken with its movement in the intestine. The photographs taken with the capsule are transferred to the recording device in a belt attached to the patient's waist. At the end of the recording period, the recording device is removed and the images on the device are converted into a film with the help of a special computer program and examined by the doctor on the computer monitor. The results are reported to the patient.

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How is capsule endoscopy applied?

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A 12-hour fast is required before the capsule endoscopy procedure. In order to increase the image quality, it is preferred to clean the intestine by drinking an amount of a diarrheal drug and to use a drug that reduces intestinal gases to increase the image quality.

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In which cases is capsule endoscopy applied?

- In cases where small bowel disease is suspected,

- In cases of iron deficiency anemia or anemia of unknown cause

- In the suspicion of hidden bleeding from the intestines,

- In patients with chronic diarrhea,

-Detection of intestinal polyps

-For bowel cancer screening

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Are there any side effects of capsule endoscopy?

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In patients who have adhesions or stenosis in the intestines during the capsule endoscopy procedure, the capsule may be stuck in the intestine. In this case, it may be necessary to remove the capsule endoscopically or surgically.