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Capsule endoscopy

Painless, gentle and reliable: This is capsule endoscopy of the small intestine. As a modern gastroenterology practice, we are pleased to be able to offer our patients this high-tech examination method, which provides a complete view of the gastrointestinal tract.

Capsule endoscopy – what is it?

Capsule endoscopy is a special form of endoscopy in which parts of the digestive tract can be examined and precisely assessed with the help of video recordings . The patient swallows a mini camera in capsule form, which is roughly the size of a thick vitamin pill. This is also equipped with a light source, battery and transmitter. On its natural path through the stomach, small intestine and large intestine, the capsule records video images of the mucous membrane and sends them to a small receiver device, which is worn on the body for the duration of the examination. Following the examination, the images are analyzed.

When is capsule endoscopy performed?

Capsule endoscopy is primarily used to examine the small intestine. It makes it possible to view sections of the small intestine that cannot be examined adequately with a conventional gastroscopy or colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy can provide information, particularly in cases of unclear bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis as well as benign or malignant growths (e.g. polyps and tumors).

How does the colonoscopy with capsule work?

We perform capsule endoscopy of the small intestine on an outpatient basis, i.e. in our practice. As with other endoscopic examination methods, it is important that the bowel is empty for the examination. For this purpose, a bowel cleansing is carried out the day before using a laxative solution. On the day of the examination, usually in the morning, the video capsule is swallowed with a little water. During the examination, patients can go about their daily lives as usual. Drinking clear liquids (e.g. water) is permitted again two hours after taking the capsule, and a small meal can be eaten after four hours.

The examination usually takes between six and eight hours. By then the capsule has usually left the gastrointestinal tract naturally and usually ends up unnoticed in the toilet. Each capsule is only used once. During its journey through the gastrointestinal tract, the video capsule takes around 60,000 photos. These are sent directly to the recording device, which the patient wears on a belt. The images are then analyzed on the computer.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of capsule endoscopy?

The examination is simple, safe and painless: patients swallow the capsule, go about their daily lives as usual – and the examination results are usually available the following day. Sedatives or painkillers are not usually necessary. There is also no exposure to radiation, as is the case with X-ray examinations, for example.

Unlike regular gastroscopies and colonoscopies, capsule endoscopy does not allow tissue samples to be taken during the examination. Polyps, i.e. benign growths, cannot be removed directly either. In very rare cases, the capsule may get stuck in the digestive tract due to unknown obstructions. In this case, an operation may be necessary. However, this occurs in less than one percent of examinations.

What does capsule endoscopy cost?

The costs of this examination are covered by health insurance companies depending on medical necessity, for example in the case of anemia with iron deficiency or unexplained bleeding in the intestines. However, as the assumption of costs is often not guaranteed, this should be clarified in advance. Self-payers should expect costs of around 1200 euros.

Do you have any questions? We would be happy to advise you on the benefits and costs of capsule endoscopy – contact us or simply book your consultation appointment online.

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