Capsule Endoscopy- Role and importance. Who is it for?
Digestive problems have become prevalent in today’s time. Several causative factors are there which lead to different types of digestion problems like lifestyle problems, obesity, improper eating schedule, intermittent fasting, consumption of NSIDs and more. Out of different types of digestive problems, the upper GI tract is impacted the most. The upper gastrointestinal tract consists of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and the entire stomach.
In most cases, the infections or health problems occur in the internal layer of the GI tract which is why medical professionals need to adopt new processes for examining the issue properly and draw the right conclusion for the same. One of the major diagnosis processes that is used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract is capsule endoscopy.
What is capsule endoscopy?
In the traditional form of endoscopy, doctors used a thin tubular pipe with a camera and light fitted to its mouth. However, the process is extremely painful and uncomfortable. Patients suffer from throat aches for at least 3 to 5 days post the procedure is completed.
In order to get rid of this problem, the concept of capsule endoscopy has been adopted by many hospitals and healthcare professionals. It is the process through which a wireless camera is used for seeing the condition of the inner mucosa layer of the upper GI tract.
For whom capsule endoscopy is suggested?
Capsule endoscopy is used for any person suffering from:
Bleeding of the inner mucosa layer of the stomach
Any form of problem in the esophagus like dried inner lining or collapsed tube
Lesions formed on the inner lining of the stomach
Intense burn and ache in the upper abdominal region
How does the capsule endoscopy process work?
The capsule endoscopy process is conducted in a much different manner as compared to the traditional form of endoscopic diagnosis. In this below section, we have explained how the procedure is carried on.
First, you need to complete the preparatory methods. For this, you need to drink a solution that will clear any form of gas formed. If there is gas in your stomach, the pictures will be hazy and the professional will have to perform the examination once again.
After this, you need to wear a special recording device around the waist region. It is meant to record and store the entire video of the capsule moving through the entire gut column.
Sometimes, advanced recording devices are used where electrode patches are stuck with the skin over your chest and abdominal region.
You have to swallow a small capsule inside which the camera will be present. For this, you can take water to ensure that the pill doesn’t get stuck in the throat region.
You won’t have to wait for the doctor to check what’s going on with the inner GI tract.
Instead, you can return back to your daily activities as the capsule will do its work. The duration usually varies between 8 and 10 hours.
All the videos and pictures will be recorded and stored in the device you have worn around your stomach.
What facts should a person know about capsule endoscopy?
You just do not drink any liquid or take snacks for the next two hours after you have swallowed the pill. Make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions properly so that you don’t have to repeat the same process once again due to blurred images.
Conclusion
Capsule endoscopy is a recent development in the medical field that has obliterated the pain points of traditional endoscopy. However, many hospitals are yet to adopt this new process due to a lack of access to modern healthcare equipment units. This is why you need to ensure that you discuss capsule endoscopy with your doctor before you schedule an appointment for the examination. you can also visit Medipulse hospital or can consult with our Doctors to get the best information regarding Endoscopy