Capsule Endoscopy Specialist
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Las Vegas Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists located in Las Vegas, NV
With advanced diagnostic tools like capsule endoscopy, gastroenterology experts like Noel Fajardo, MD, and the team at Las Vegas Gastroenterology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, closely evaluate your small intestine to diagnose conditions like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. To determine the root cause of your abdominal pain or diarrhea, call the nearest office, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool today.
Capsule Endoscopy Q & A
What is capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy involves a pill-sized camera that you swallow. As the camera travels through your gastrointestinal tract, it takes thousands of pictures along the way.
These pictures allow the team at Las Vegas Gastroenterology to see areas of your gastrointestinal tract they can’t evaluate with an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. More specifically, the capsule endoscopy allows the team to see all of your small intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Who needs a capsule endoscopy?
The team at Las Vegas Gastroenterology determines why you need a capsule endoscopy during your consultation.
The team performs a capsule endoscopy to confirm or rule out various gastrointestinal conditions such as:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Iron-deficiency anemia
For iron deficiency anemia, capsule endoscopy can reveal whether it is due to small intestinal bleeding.
The diagnostic imaging test may also help Las Vegas Gastroenterology find small intestinal abnormalities such as tumors, ulcers, or polyps.
How do I prepare for capsule endoscopy?
Las Vegas Gastroenterology provides specific instructions on how to prepare for your capsule endoscopy. It’s important to follow the instructions as outlined, so the team gets the best images.
The team may ask that you stop eating and drinking about 12 hours before the start of your test. They may also prescribe a laxative to help clear the gastrointestinal tract.
What happens during capsule endoscopy?
Your capsule endoscopy test starts at the office. First, your provider will ask you to wear a belt connected to a recorder you wear on your waist. These tools capture and store the images taken by the camera.
You then swallow the capsule with a glass of water, and your gastroenterologist sends you on your way. You shouldn’t feel the capsule after you swallow it.
You can drink clear liquids (e.g., water, apple juice, black coffee, or tea) about two hours after you swallow the capsule and eat a light lunch about four hours after, unless otherwise directed.
What happens after capsule endoscopy?
Your capsule endoscopy procedure ends about eight hours after you swallow the camera or when you expel the camera during a bowel movement. You return to the office with the recording device, and the team schedules a follow-up appointment to review the results with you.
To schedule a consultation at Las Vegas Gastroenterology to see if you would benefit from a capsule endoscopy, call the office or click the online booking button.