Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is the current state-of-the-art diagnostic method, allowing images of the inside of gastrointestinal tract to be obtained in a non-invasive way.

Capsule endoscopy is performed by means of the PillCam SB capsule, manufactured by the Given Imaging Company.

Two types of capsules are now available:

PillCam ESO oesophageal capsule - NEW in Poland!

PillCam SB intestinal capsule.

This method enables imaging of these areas of the gastrointestinal tract in which the conventional imaging methods, both radiological and endoscopic, have failed.

Indications for examination with the intestinal capsule:

It is now assumed that indications for examination with the intestinal endocapsule include the following symptoms:

unexplained abdominal pains
diarrhoeas of unknown aetiology
chronic bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
chronic anaemia of unknown aetiology
suspected celiac disease and medical care for patients with celiac disease because
of the increased risk of lymphoma and carcinoma
suspected Crohn’s disease
syndromes of gastrointestinal polyposis
suspected tumour of the small intestine
post-medication and post-radiation lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications for examination with the oesophageal capsule:

necessity for frequent monitoring of the condition of the oesophageal interior
unexplained chest pains
a patient`s non-acceptance of traditional gastroscopy.

Preparation for the examination

Except for a short fast, examination with the endoscopic capsule does not require any difficult preparation.

The examination

Having swallowed the capsule, the patient returns to his or her normal daily activity. In the course of examination, the capsule collects images of the gastrointestinal tract and transmits them to a recorder, held by a belt at waist level. After the examination is over, the capsule is excreted from the body.

Evaluation of results obtained

Images from the recorder are analysed by a physician at a workstation, where the final report is generated together with video documentation. The patient is then given a copy of the final report and a CD with the complete recording of the examination.