Capsule endoscopy

Abbildung einer Kapsel zur Kapselendoskopie, Gastroenterologie im Josephinum

Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a special procedure for the diagnosis of diseases of the upper intestines (small bowel), especially for finding sources of unexplained bleeding, diarrhea and weight loss. It is administered after a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy have ruled out other diseases or a source of bleeding in the stomach and colon. After intestinal cleansing a small, approx. 25mm sized video capsule the size and shape of a pill is swallowed, which continuously records and transmits pictures to an external receiver while passing through the upper intestinal tract. The physician can then evaluate the pictures displayed on a monitor.