Capsule Endoscopy

What is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy (“pill cam”) enables your doctor to examine the lining of the small bowel, most of which cannot be visualised at gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

What is involved in a capsule endoscopy procedure?

Capsule Endoscopy involves swallowing a small capsule (about the size of a jelly bean) which contains a tiny video camera, light bulb, battery, and transmitter.  Once swallowed, it passes through your digestive system over about 8 hours and takes multiple images of your small bowel. The images are transmitted to a data recorder worn on a belt around your waist.  The capsule should pass naturally in your bowel motion without any discomfort or difficulty. You don’t need to retrieve the capsule after the test – it passes with the stool into the toilet and may be flushed away.  Once the procedure is complete, the images are downloaded onto a computer and reviewed by your doctor.  Capsule endoscopy is only a diagnostic test and a further procedure or surgery may be required if a problem is found at capsule endoscopy.  Additionally, capsule endoscopy is not as good as gastroscopy and colonoscopy for evaluating the oesophagus, stomach and colon.

Is a capsule endoscopy covered by Medicare?

There are specific guidelines from Medicare for funding of this procedure which you must meet, otherwise the cost of the procedure is entirely your responsibility. The nurse will explain this to you when you make the appointment for the procedure.

Please note that iron tablets must be ceased one week prior to capsule endoscopy & you need to advise the nurse if you have a pacemaker.