Dr Ahmad Alrubaie
Dr Ahmad Alrubaie
Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows detailed imaging of the small intestine using a pill-sized capsule equipped with a miniature camera. After being swallowed, the capsule naturally travels through the gastrointestinal tract, capturing thousands of images transmitted to an external data recorder.
This procedure is especially useful for detecting sources of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumours, and iron deficiency anaemia. It is non-surgical, does not require sedation, and patients may carry on with most daily activities during the recording period.
Capsule endoscopy is safe, though rarely, the capsule may become lodged in areas of narrowing within the bowel. If a stricture is suspected, a patency capsule or imaging may be recommended beforehand.
Patients are typically instructed to fast for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure. Detailed preparation and aftercare instructions are provided in advance.