What is capsule endoscopy?

 

Capsule endoscopy is a technology that uses a swallowed video capsule to perform painless endoscopic imaging of the middle part of the gastrointestinal tract that helps evaluating intestine problems. Capsule endoscopy helps doctors to diagnose the causes for recurrent or persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding or anemia.

 

 

Capsule endoscopy may benefit patients suffering from symptoms, including:

 

• Find the cause of gastrointestinal Bleeding
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as crohn’s disease
• Tumors in the small intestine or other parts of the digestive tract
• Diagnose celiac disease

 

The procedure

1. Patient only needs to swallow a video capsule (11mm x 26mm)
2. As the capsule travels through the esophagus, the camera encases will take photographs. The images are transmitted to a recording device worn on the abdomen of the patient during the entire procedure. This will not affect the normal activities of the patient. 
3. Generally, the capsule will stay in the stomach for 2 hours and it takes about 3-4 hours to pass through the small intestine. It takes about 2 hours for doctor to review all the images.
4. The capsule will be passed from your body naturally.

 

Capsule endoscopy patient instructions

 

• One day before: start a liquid diet for lunch and dinner, e.g. water, sport drink, apple juice. Clear liquids are drinks you can see through the glass.
• Fasting is usually necessary starting about 8 hours
• Adhesive sensors will be places on your abdomen and the recording device will be attached to your waist with a belt
• Then you will be asked to swallow the capsule to begin the study
• You will usually be allowed to have clear liquids 2 hours after swallowing the capsule and a light meal afterwards
• After eight hours, you should return so the doctor can remove the recorder
• Your doctor will download and review the images 
• After removal of the equipment, you may return home and resume all normal activities and diet
• The capsule is disposable and will be passed from your body naturally

 

Cautions for capsule endoscopy patient

 

• The capsule can be safely flashed down the toilet. You should avoid any powerful electromagnetic fields particularly MRI scans until the capsule has passed
• It is not safe to undergo endoscopy during pregnancy 
• If the capsule endoscopy is not excreted within 2 weeks after the examination, please consult your doctor

 

Price

 

Capsule Endoscopy
Package included
Surgeon's Fee Operation Theatre Fee Instrument Fee	$11,000 $3,500 $6,500
Package Price	$21,000

 

The Package Price above covers Surgeon's Fee, Centre Fee, Post-operative, Instrument Fee, Report Interptryation, Report Interpretation and other miscellaneous charges during the procedure.

 

The price listed are for reference only. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.