Digestive Disease Diagnosed by Expert Doctors Using Capsule Endoscopy at Mercy

Capsule endoscopy is used to capture images of the small intestine and the GI tract. The surgical oncologists at Mercy in Baltimore work with our GI doctors to use capsule endoscopy to detect small bowel tumors.

What is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help doctors see what is happening inside the digestive tract (also known as the GI tract or gastrointestinal tract). The digestive tract is the tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It is the movement of muscles along the digestive tract that digests food. A capsule endoscopy can substitute or supplement traditional endoscopy procedures.

How is a Capsule Endoscopy performed?

The capsule is swallowed after an evening of fasting. You can then eat and drink as normal after 2 hours. While the capsule is in your digestive tract it will capture pictures that are transmitted to a device that is worn around the waist.

Who should receive a Capsule Endoscopy?

Depending on symptoms and additional diagnostic tests your doctor may recommend capsule endoscopy to determine whether tumors exist in your small intestine.