Capsule Endoscopy in Texas

Ready to Consult a GI Physician?

Find a Provider

A small bowel capsule endoscopy involves an endoscopic process in which a small capsule containing a camera and battery is ingested by the patient and then used to take pictures of the small intestine or bowel. Nearly 60,000 images are transmitted that, when put together, create a "movie" of the patient's small intestine.

At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, a small bowel pill endoscopy procedure is often conducted to discover the primary reason for unexplained bleeding or anemia. It can be used to assess the small intestine to extensively investigate an abnormal x-ray, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Confer with our GI specialists to request a capsule endoscopy in Texas to help ensure your intestinal health is maintained.

You will be given details and instructions from your provider regarding the necessary preparation for your capsule endoscopy. The majority of patients will be advised to eat as per their normal habits the day before the procedure. You will be instructed refrain from consuming anything via your mouth any later than 7:00 p.m. the night before the capsule endoscopy. It is crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided to you by your provider. There will likely also be additional instructions in regard to your medications. In most instances, your medications will be resumed as normal a few hours following ingestion of the pill capsule. However, in specific situations, specifically for those on blood thinners (such as Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin) and in those with diabetes, unique directions will be administered.

You will be directed to enter the endoscopy center or office 30 minutes before your appointed procedure. This is to provide time to fill out patient forms and any preparation for the capsule endoscopy exam. You will then be asked to put on a vest that will hold the monitors that will receive the transmitted photos. After the vest is in place, the pill capsule will be activated and then given to you to ingest.

After swallowing the pill capsule, you may leave the endoscopy office. You will keep the vest on for the following eight hours. You can drink clear liquids once two hours have passed following the exam and have a normal meal after four hours. When eight hours have passed, you will come back to the endoscopy unit, and the vest can be removed. To learn more about having a capsule endoscopy in Texas, please request a consultation at your nearest Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location today.

Once the exam is complete, the images retrieved from the capsule will be downloaded to a computer program that produces a "movie" of your small intestine. It might take your doctor a few hours to carefully review the findings. Exam results are most often ready within a week. We will contact you with your results when they are ready.

Find A Provider Find A Location

Generally speaking, the small bowel capsule endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Overall, complications develop in less than 1% of individuals. These complications are usually not life-threatening. Still, should a complication arise, it may require hospitalization and surgery. A member of the Texas Digestive Disease Consultants nursing staff will review a consent form with the patient in advance of the exam.

One potential risk is that the pill capsule could become caught in the intestine, resulting in an obstruction. In this case, there is a possibility of hospitalization and surgery.

It is essential to call your provider's office promptly if symptoms present following the capsule endoscopy, such as worsening abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding.

As with any other test, a small bowel capsule endoscopy is not perfect. There is a slight, acknowledged risk that issues, including cancers, could be missed during the exam. It is important to maintain follow-ups with your provider as directed and to inform them of any new or ongoing symptoms.

To some degree, any alternate options to the capsule endoscopy procedure will depend on why the patient requires a small bowel capsule endoscopy to begin with. In the majority of instances, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the best method to evaluate concerns in the small intestine. However, an x-ray called a small-bowel-follow-through can assess the small intestine as well. An enteroscopy exam can also be used to examine the upper part of the small intestine and may be employed for therapy.

To request a noninvasive examination of your small bowel, contact Texas Digestive Disease Consultants for help finding a location near you. Capsule endoscopy in Texas is just one of the methods our providers use to help you maintain a healthy GI system at any stage of life.

Dr. Mbachu, was very attentive and inquisitive and addressed all of my concerns. She is awesome and very good.

A.L. Google

Dr. Kepczyk and his staff are among the best I have seen in my area. So professional, kind and knowledgeable.

S.D. Google

I’m Leah, Norm’s wife, and am using his account as a patient of Dr. Gou’s to write a review about him. I’m a new patient for Dr. Gou and, from the moment I walked into his office, I knew I was going to like this practice. Judy, the receptionist, was very friendly and welcoming to me. I have found that you can judge a doctor on first impressions by his/her front office staff. I’ve been to several gastroenterologists trying to find one who will listen to me and my concerns. Dr Gou spent a lot of time with me explaining my condition and what could be done for it. He listened to me, the patient, which had not been the case in the past. He doesn’t overbook his appointments so he can spend the time needed. I also had no wait to go back to the exam room. Highly recommend this office!

N.L. Google

Dr Walker is the kindest doctor I’ve ever been to. I was misinformed and thought she wasn’t practicing anymore and was so delighted to find out she still is today. I was dreading having to find another gastroenterologist, especially after finding one I loved so much, so I’m thrilled to get to continue to see her. She actually listens, has empathy, and shows genuine concern and care for her patients. 10/10 recommend!

G.D. Google

Team is extremely attentive and very responsive.

C.B. Google

27819

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating