Capsule endoscopy
Painless, gentle and reliable: This is capsule endoscopy of the small intestine. As a modern gastroenterological 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 examined with the aid of video recordings and can be accurately assessed. 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 analysed.
- Capsule endoscopy - what is it?
- When is capsule endoscopy performed?
- How does the colonoscopy with capsule work?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of capsule endoscopy?
- What does capsule endoscopy cost?
- OWNER LUTZ EHMSEN: WHAT INNERMED STANDS FOR
- CERTIFIED QUALITY, MODERN EQUIPMENT, HIGHEST HYGIENE STANDARDS
- Directions
- Lutz Ehmsen
When is capsule endoscopy performed?
Capsule endoscopy is primarily used for the Examination of the small intestine is used. It makes it possible to view sections of the small intestine that cannot be adequately examined during a conventional gastroscopy or colonoscopy. Especially in the case 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 tumours), a capsule endoscopy can provide information.
How does the colonoscopy with capsule work?
We perform capsule endoscopy of the small intestine on an outpatient basis, i.e. at our practice. As with other endoscopic examination methods, it is important that the bowel is empty for the examination. For this purpose, the bowel is cleansed 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. The capsule has then 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 analysed on the computer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of capsule endoscopy??
The investigation is Simple, safe and painlessPatients swallow the capsule, go about their daily lives as usual - and the results of the examination are usually available the following day. Tranquillisers 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 per cent 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 anaemia with iron deficiency or unexplained bleeding in the intestine. 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 will be happy to advise you on the benefits and costs of capsule endoscopy - simply contact us or book your consultation appointment online.
OWNER LUTZ EHMSEN: WHAT INNERMED STANDS FOR
Your well-being is a priority at InnerMed. Our competent practice team, led by owner and gastroenterologist Lutz Ehmsen, ensures that your colonoscopy runs smoothly and provides comprehensive care during and after the examination. This is particularly important to us:
- Detailed patient education and information
- Time for individual support and diagnostics
- Safety and well-being of our patients
- A friendly tone and communication at eye level
CERTIFIED QUALITY, MODERN EQUIPMENT,
HIGHEST HYGIENE STANDARDS
Thanks to many years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we can offer you a offer medical care at the very highest level. We not only attach great importance to professional expertise and personalised care, but also to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.Compliance with these standards is a core aspect of our work and ensures the safety of our patients. We use state-of-the-art, high-resolution video endoscopes from Olympus for our endoscopic examinations.
Do you have questions or doubts before your examination?
Don't hesitate to contact us - we take your fears seriously and take the time to answer your questions.
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About the author
Lutz Ehmsen
Lutz Ehmsen is a specialist in internal medicine specialising in gastroenterology with additional qualifications in emergency medicine and owner of the group practice InnerMed. He has many years of clinical and outpatient experience, has worked as a senior physician and head of an endoscopy department and has an exceptionally high level of experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy with around 2000 colonoscopies and 500 gastroscopies per year.
His specialist focus is on quality-assured colonoscopy and gastroscopy, structured colon cancer screening and the comprehensive care of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
More about qualifications and experience on the author page >
