PillCam™ Capsule Endoscopy

Examination of the small intestine with capsule endoscopy is generally safe. Complications are uncommon. Risks and complications include, but are not limited to, the following:

• In approximately 1 out of 100 procedures, the capsule can become lodged above a stricture or narrowed area.
• Patients who have Crohn’s disease or have had abdominal surgery in the past are at increased risk for this complication.
• If an obstruction or stricture prevents passage of the capsule, surgery may be required for removal, carrying with it the associated risks of bleeding, infection, prolonged hospitalization, and even death.
•  An abdominal X-ray may be ordered in the weeks after the procedure if the physician is not able to determine whether the capsule passed into the large intestine during the course of the study.
• There have been reports of the capsule becoming lodged at the back of the throat.Should this occur, the capsule may need to be removed by a physician.
• There is a risk of aspiration (swallowing the capsule accidentally into the lung). Should that occur, pneumonia and other complications could result.
• Patients who have difficulty swallowing may be at increased risk for complications. It is important that you notify the nursing staff or physician prior to the capsule endoscopy procedure if you have difficulty swallowing.
• The capsule is not approved for use in patients with pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators. The capsule has been used in some centers in these patients without complications related to the pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.
• Due to variations in the patient’s intestinal motility, the capsule may only image part of the small intestine. It is also possible that, due to technical factors including but not limited to food debris in the intestine and device malfunction, some images may be inadequate; this may result in the need to repeat the capsule procedure.
• Due to the metallic components of the capsule, MRI studies should not be performed until the capsule has passed out of the body. If you require an MRI study, notify the ordering physician that you have recently had capsule endoscopy and that the capsule must be passed out of the body before the MRI is performed.
• Capsule endoscopy is not a perfect study. Abnormalities, including cancer, might not be seen in some cases.
• Sometimes the doctor will order a potency capsule prior to the actual capsule.

• On the day of the procedure, you will have an appointment with a nurse.
• Please arrive to the office dressed in loose fitting two-piece clothing.
• A brief medical history will be reviewed with you by a nurse.
• You will need to review and sign the capsule endoscopy consent form before proceeding.
• You will provide a list of any current medications you are taking along with any allergies you have to medications.
• Before you swallow the capsule, the nurse will tape six electrode sensors on your abdomen. These sensors are connected to the data recorder that you will wear at your waist.

• After ingesting the M2A capsule, do not eat or drink for at least two hours.
• You may have clear liquids two hours after ingesting the capsule and taking any medications.
• After four hours, you may have a light snack.
• After ingesting the M2A capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near any source of powerful electromagnetic fields such as near an MRI device or amateur (ham) radio.
• Capsule endoscopy lasts approximately eight 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.
• Because the data recorder is actually a small computer, it should be treated with utmost care and protection.
• Avoid sudden movement and banging of the data recorder.
• You can go to work or engage in your usual daytime activities.
• Avoid any strenuous physical activity, especially if it involves sweating, and do not bend over or stoop during capsule endoscopy.
• You will return to Dayton Gastroenterology at 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

• The sensors will be removed, and the images from the data recorder will be downloaded into a computer.
• The capsule passes through your intestines and is excreted through your rectum. The capsule is disposable.
•  A physician will review the video within several days, and a report will be sent to your doctor.
• After the examination is completed and the equipment is removed, you may return to your normal diet.