Your Capsule Endoscopy Appointment
Fibroscan appointments can be made by calling (03) 9018 4088 or email admin@gastrodiagnostics.com.au
What to expect at your Gastro Diagnostics Capsule Endoscopy appointment
Capsule endoscopy, also known as pill camera or wireless endoscopy, is a safe and minimally-invasive procedure used to examine the small intestine.
It involves swallowing a small capsule about the size of a large vitamin pill. Inside the capsule is a tiny camera, along with a light source, batteries, and a wireless transmitter. Once swallowed, the capsule moves naturally through the digestive system, capturing thousands of images along the way.
This procedure is most commonly used to identify bleeding in areas of the small bowel that are difficult to assess using other methods and is particularly useful in detecting small bowel bleeding, tumours and investigating unexplained abdominal pain.
Preparing for your appointment
When you book your appointment we will provide you with details on where you need to go, costs and fasting. Please arrive 10 mins early for your appointment to check in and complete any relevant paperwork. You are welcome to bring a support person with you to your appointment.
You will be given clear instructions on diet modifications in the days leading up to your procedure.
You will need to fast from the 8pm night before prior to your appointment. You may take prescription medication as normal with small sips of water.
During your appointment
Wear comfortable clothing and do not wear lipstick or lip gloss.
Arrive at your appointment at your scheduled time. The procedure is usually done early in the day to allow for maximise recording time. Our staff will go through the procedure with you and you will sign a consent to proceed.
A belt with a harness for the recording device will be fitted around your waist, over the top of your clothes. The belt will be connected to the recording device and you will swallow the capsule.
You should drink 250ml of water per hour for the full day of the procedure. You’ll be able to have a light lunch.
At the end of the day you will need to return the recording device, usually to the same place you had your appointment. During your next three bowel motions, you should note if the capsule has been excreted in your stool (YOU DO NOT NEED TO RETRIEVE THE CAPSULE - this can be flushed down the toilet).
Results
Following your procedure, a specially trained Gastroenterologist will read the images and prepare a report for your doctor. You will usually have a follow up appointment booked with your usual Gastroenterologist, and a copy of your results will be provided to your GP and yourself.
Risks/Contraindications of the procedure
Capsule endoscopy is considered very safe, and complications are rare. Fewer than one in one hundred patients experience difficulty swallowing the capsule, and abdominal pain or nausea afterward is extremely uncommon. If such symptoms do occur, they should be reported immediately.
In about one in one hundred patients, the capsule may become stuck in the bowel, particularly if there is a narrowing or unusual anatomy. In most cases, the capsule will pass naturally, but in rare situations, it may need to be removed using endoscopy or surgery.
Sometimes, in approximately one in ten patients, the capsule moves more slowly than expected and may not reach the large bowel within the timeframe of the recording. If this occurs, an abdominal X-ray will be arranged to confirm whether the capsule has exited the body.
Running on time
We endeavour to run on time, however circumstances occasionally mean that your appointment may be delayed. We will try to inform you in advance if we are not running to time.
Cancellation Policy
You will get a text message a few days before your appointment. Please reply to confirm or contact us to change it. Not replying may cancel your appointment. Canceling within 24 hours or missing your appointment may lead to a fee or require pre-paying future visits.