What is a capsule endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to diagnose problems in the small intestine, such as:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Cancer
  • Polyps
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Carcinoid tumors
  • Celiac Disease
  • Malabsorptive Syndromes

During a capsule endoscopy, you must swallow a vitamin-sized capsule which contains a tiny wireless camera. The camera captures thousands of images as the camera moves through the digestive tract. The images are stored on a recorder worn around the waist. Then they are downloaded into a video format which Dr. Hathaway views to examine any abnormalities that may appear.