Endoscopy Patients
Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy Instructions
Your physician has determined that as part of your medical evaluation you should undergo an examination known as Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy. This procedure involves ingesting a small (the size of a large vitamin pill) Given® Imaging PILLCAM SB® Capsule which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of the intestine. The images are transmitted to the SensorArray™ which is placed on your abdomen.
The SensorArray is attached to a walkman-like Given® DataRecorder™ which saves all the images. It is located in the RecorderBelt™, which is worn around your waist. After 8 hours, you will return to the Endoscopy Center. The PILLCAM SB® Capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. In the rare case that it will not be excreted naturally, it will need to be removed endoscopically or surgically. In order for your physician to get the most accurate information from this examination,you will need to follow the preparation instructions you were provided in advance of your appointment and the instructions below:
1. After following preparation instructions you received, you will arrive at The Endoscopy Center of Brookline according to your prescheduled appointment time dressed in loose fitting, two-piece clothing.
2. At the Endoscopy Center, you will have a pre-procedure interview. During this interview you should be informed that Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy is associated with a small chance of intestinal obstruction. You will be checked-in and asked to give your informed consent.
3. The SensorArray will be applied to your abdomen with adhesive pads and will be connected to the DataRecorder which you will wear in a belt around your waist. After that, you will be instructed to ingest the PILLCAM SB® Capsule.
After Ingesting the PILLCAM SB® Capsule:
1. After ingesting the PILLCAM SB® Capsule, do not eat or drink for at least 2 hours. After 4 hours, you may have a light snack. After the examination is completed, you may return to your normal diet. The above instructions related to eating apply, unless your physician specifies otherwise. Contact your physician immediately if you suffer from any abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting during Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.
2. After ingesting the PILLCAM SB® Capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near any source of powerful electromagnetic fields such as one created near an MRI device or amateur (ham) radio.
3. Occasionally, some images may be lost due to radio interference (e.g. from amateur radio transmitter, MRI, etc.). On rare occasions this may result in the need to repeat the Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy examination. In this case, the physician will advise you to stay within the premises of the clinic during the Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy to prevent this problem from recurring.
4. Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy lasts on average approximately 7 to 8 hours and is considered complete according to your physician's instructions. Do not disconnect the equipment or remove the belt at any time during this period. Since the DataRecorder is actually a small computer, it should be treated with utmost care and protection. Avoid sudden movement and banging of the DataRecorder.
5. During Samll Bowel Capsule Endoscopy, you will need to verify every 15 minutes that the small light on top of the DataRecorder is blinking twice per second. If, for some reason it stops blinking at this rate, record the time and contact your physician. You should also record the time and nature of any event such as eating, drinking, your activity and unusual sensations. Return the Event Form with these notes to your physician at the time you return the equipment.
6. Avoid any strenuous physical activity especially if it involves sweating and do not bend over or stoop during Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.
After Completing Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy:
- You must return to the Endoscopy Center to return the equipment as instructed by our nurse. (8 hours later).
- The DataRecorder stores the images of your examination. Handle the DataRecorder, RecorderBelt, SensorArray and Battery Pack carefully. Do not expose them to shock, vibration or direct sunlight, which may result in loss of information
- If you did not positively verify the excretion of the PILLCAM SB® Capsule from your body, and you develop unexplained post procedure nausea, abdominal pain or vomiting, contact your physician for evaluation and possible abdominal X-ray examination
- Undergoing an MRI while the capsule is inside your body may result in serious damage to your intestinal tract or abdominal cavity. If you did not positively verify the excretion of the PILLCAM SB ® Capsule from your body, you should contact your physician for evaluation and possible abdominal X-ray before undergoing an MRI examination.
- Please do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. Call (617)638-5793 and ask to speak to the GI Fellow on call.
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ESO Capsule Endoscopy Instructions
The Esophageal capsule (PillCam ESO) is specifically designed to view the inner lining of the esophagus within this 20 minute study. The capsule is equipped with miniature cameras on both ends, is about the size of a multivitamin, and can be easily swallowed.
Please notify your doctor if one has
1) difficulty swallowing
2) a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electromedical devices
3) known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, strictures, or fistulas
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
Your stomach must be completely empty to allow for an adequate examination. Please do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours prior to the appointment. There is no need to take any preparation or have a long period of fasting.
On the day of the endoscopy you should take your regular medications with clear water, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
On the day of the exam, one should avoid taking any antacids, iron, sulcrafate until after the procedure. There is no need to stop other medications prior to the procedure such as coumadin, asapirin, plavix, blood pressure medications, …
If you are diabetic, please alter your dose of insulin to correspond to this short fast on the day of the procedure.
There is no sedation for this test; therefore one does not need another person to accompany them home.
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