Capsule Endoscopy
You swallow a vitamin-pill-sized camera that takes pictures as it passes through your small intestine — an area regular scopes cannot reach. Painless, no sedation needed.
Results
Reading takes 1-2 hours of expert time. Reports usually within 1-2 weeks.
This article is educational and does not replace your doctor's advice. Seek urgent care for any red-flag symptoms.
What is it?
A capsule endoscope is a tiny camera (about 11 mm × 26 mm) that you swallow with water. It travels through your digestive tract while taking 2-6 photos per second. You wear a sensor belt that records the images. After 8 hours, the capsule passes naturally in your stool.
Why is it done?
Mainly to investigate the small intestine (where standard endoscopy and colonoscopy can't reach). Common indications: obscure GI bleeding (anemia or intermittent bleeding without source on standard tests), small bowel Crohn's disease assessment, suspected small bowel tumors, celiac complications.
Who needs it?
- Iron-deficiency anemia where upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are normal
- Suspected Crohn's disease in the small bowel
- Suspected small bowel tumors or polyps
- Refractory celiac disease
Before the procedure
- Clear liquid diet the day before; nothing to eat for 12 hours.
- Some doctors recommend a bowel prep similar to colonoscopy — your team will tell you.
- Stop iron tablets 1 week before — they obscure imaging.
- Discuss with team if you have suspected obstruction, swallowing problems, or implanted electrical devices.
- Wear loose clothing — you'll have a sensor belt under it.
During the procedure
You arrive at the endoscopy unit, swallow the capsule with water, and the team fits a recording belt around your waist. You go home and continue with your day — light walking helps the capsule progress. After 2 hours you can drink clear fluids; after 4 hours light snack. After 8 hours you return to the unit to remove the recorder. The capsule passes naturally in your stool within days — you usually don't notice it.
After the procedure
You can resume normal activity immediately. The capsule passes in 1-3 days — usually unnoticed. Tell your doctor if you don't pass it within 2 weeks (rare; could indicate retention). The doctor reviews the recording — takes 1-2 hours of expert reviewing — and reports findings within 1-2 weeks.
Risks
- Capsule retention: <1% (more in Crohn's with strictures) — usually passes spontaneously, occasionally needs endoscopic or surgical retrieval
- Difficulty swallowing the capsule — endoscopic placement is an option
- No risk of bleeding, perforation, or sedation reaction (no sedation used)
- Cannot biopsy or treat — purely diagnostic
When you get results
Alternatives if you decline
Push enteroscopy (specialized scope reaches part of jejunum). Double-balloon enteroscopy reaches further but is invasive. CT or MR enterography sees structural problems but not subtle mucosal lesions.
Questions to ask your doctor
Save this list or print it before your appointment — doctors appreciate prepared patients.
- What if you don't see anything — what's next?
- What if I have a stricture or stoma?
- When will the capsule pass?
Medically reviewed by: SGA Patient Education Panel · Last reviewed 24/04/2026