Capsule Endoscopy in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves an endoscopic procedure wherein a pill-sized capsule, (which contains a camera and battery), is ingested by the patient and is then used to take multiple pictures of the small intestine. Around 60,000 photos are transmitted, which, when compiled, provide a "movie" of the patient's small bowel.
At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates , a small bowel capsule endoscopy procedure is generally performed to discover the primary reason for unexplained anemia or bleeding. It could be carried out to assess the small intestine, to extensively evaluate an abnormal x-ray, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Consult with our gastroenterology providers in Lubbock, TX to schedule a capsule endoscopy to ensure the health of your intestinal system is maintained.
What should I expect before my capsule endoscopy?
You should receive detailed instructions from your GI provider about how to prepare for an upcoming capsule endoscopy. In most situations, patients will be advised to keep their normal eating habits up until the day before the exam. You will be instructed to refrain from consuming anything via your mouth any later than 7 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is essential to follow the guidelines given to you by your specialist. There could also be additional instructions regarding your medications. In the majority of cases, your medications can be continued as normal a few hours after the pill capsule is ingested. However, in certain circumstances, especially in individuals on blood thinners (i.e. warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) and in those with diabetes, additional instruction will be needed.
What should I expect on the day of the capsule endoscopy procedure?
You will be directed to arrive at one of our Lubbock, TX endoscopy centers 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. This is to make sure you have time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the capsule endoscopy exam. You will be directed to place a vest that holds the monitors that will receive the transmitted images. When the vest is on, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.
After the capsule is ingested, you will have the option to leave the endoscopy center. You will wear the vest for the subsequent eight hours. You will be able to consume clear liquids two hours after the exam and can have a regular meal after four hours. Once eight hours have passed, you will come back to the endoscopy center, and the vest can be removed.
When will I receive the results from my capsule endoscopy?
Once the exam is completed, the pictures received from the capsule are downloaded to a software program that creates a "movie" of your small bowel. It could take your provider several hours to carefully view and assess this "movie." Exam results are typically ready within a week. You will likely be contacted by the ordering specialist's office with your capsule endoscopy results.
What are the risks of a capsule endoscopy?
All in all, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is a very safe process. Complications occur in less than 1% of individuals. Generally, these complications are not life-threatening; still, should a complication arise, it can require a hospital stay and/or surgery. Before the capsule endoscopy exam, the Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates nursing staff will go over a consent form with you.
One of the possible risks is that the pill capsule could get stuck in the intestine, resulting in a blockage. This would likely lead to hospitalization and surgery.
It is of the utmost importance to contact your provider's office promptly if any symptoms present after the capsule endoscopy, like worsening abdominal pain, bleeding, or fever.
As with any other procedure, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that conditions, including malignancies, may go undetected at the time of the procedure. It is crucial to maintain follow-ups with your specialist as instructed and to make them aware of any ongoing or new symptoms.
What are the alternatives to a small bowel capsule endoscopy?
To a certain degree, any alternatives to the exam will depend on why you needed a small bowel capsule endoscopy in the first place. In the majority of cases, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the most effective method for assessing issues in the small bowel. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through might be used to examine the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy procedure can also be used to evaluate the upper portion of the small bowel and may also be used for treatment.
Noninvasive diagnostic tools for GI symptoms
To have your small bowel examined without an invasive procedure, request a consultation at a Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location near you. Capsule endoscopy is just one of the avenues in which our Lubbock, TX gastrointestinal providers will do everything they can to make sure that your health is maintained throughout all stages of life.
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When we got there and checked in we waited maybe 15 min. Went back, Dr. Miller was there about 10 minutes later, very friendly and courteous explained all lab work and I was out shortly after.
Dr. Ganga is amazing. Enough said.
It’s always great going to see Dr. Miller. He listens and gives advise and answers all my questions. Thank you doctor Timothy Miller and staff.
I met with a NP to to my pre-op office appointment for my colonoscopy scheduled for the 22nd.
Didn’t have to wait long. I was heard and all my questions were answered.
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