Capsule Endoscopy (Pill Camera)

Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic test where you swallow a small camera capsule. It is mainly used to view the small intestine and evaluate bleeding, anemia, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, or unexplained digestive symptoms.

Capsule endoscopy is generally safe. The main risk is capsule retention, where the capsule becomes stuck, especially in people with strictures, obstruction, or known narrowing of the intestine.

The capsule records images for several hours while it moves through the digestive tract. Preparation may include fasting, medication review, and specific instructions from your care team.

Ongoing blood in the stool needs medical follow-up. If colonoscopy was normal, your gastroenterologist may consider other sources, including the small intestine, and may recommend capsule endoscopy or additional testing.

Traditional endoscopy uses a flexible scope to view the upper digestive tract or colon. Capsule endoscopy is swallowed and is mainly used to image the small intestine, which standard scopes may not fully reach.

Capsule endoscopy may help evaluate small bowel bleeding, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, tumors, polyps, celiac-related changes, and unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.

Patients with persistent bleeding, unexplained anemia, suspected small bowel Crohn’s disease, or symptoms that remain unexplained after standard endoscopy may need capsule endoscopy.

Capsule endoscopy is designed to capture images through much of the small intestine. In some cases, movement may be slow or incomplete, so your doctor interprets results with your symptoms and other tests.

The capsule passes naturally in a bowel movement. Your care team reviews the recorded images and explains whether follow-up, treatment, or additional testing is needed.

Yes, capsule retention can occur, but it is uncommon. Patients with strictures, obstruction, or prior bowel surgery may need additional screening before capsule endoscopy.