Video Capsule Endoscopy

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) employs an advanced technology to investigate the digestive tract, especially the small intestine. The capsule is a detached, self-powered, miniaturised video camera system which automatically captures images of the intestinal wall at a regular interval over a span of 6 to 8 hours. The images are either transmitted wirelessly to an external data receiver or stored within the capsule for subsequent retrieval and reading. VCE are commonly employed to look for growth or bleeding in the small bowel.

During the test, you will be asked to swallow a pill-sized video camera which flashes intermittently. The camera will take multiple images of the small intestine as it passes through. Depending on the transit time, the capsule will eventually be excreted in your stools, usually in the following 24-48hrs. The entire procedure is pain-free and no sedation is required. You are free to continue your normal daily activity after ingesting the capsule. Your doctor will retrieve and interpret the images transmitted wirelessly back to the receiver at the end of the day.