Are you experiencing ongoing abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, or concerns with your small intestine? Capsule endoscopy might be the procedure you need to get an in-depth look at your digestive tract. Dr. Masood Tareen, whose clinic is at Yaseen Hospital in Quetta, offers capsule endoscopy to help diagnose issues that are otherwise hard to detect. Call today or schedule an appointment to learn more about how capsule endoscopy can help.
Capsule Endoscopy Q & A
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows your doctor to examine the small intestine. Unlike a traditional endoscopy, this procedure involves swallowing a small, pill-sized capsule equipped with a camera. As it travels through your digestive tract, it captures thousands of images, which are transmitted to a recording device worn on a belt.
Common reasons for a capsule endoscopy include:
- Unexplained bleeding in the digestive tract
- Chronic abdominal pain that lacks a clear diagnosis
- Suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease
- Evaluating celiac disease or small intestine tumors
Capsule endoscopy can provide a detailed look at areas of the small intestine that are challenging to reach with other types of endoscopy.
When Should I Consider Capsule Endoscopy?
You might consider a capsule endoscopy if you have ongoing symptoms that haven’t been explained by other diagnostic tests. If you experience unexplained abdominal pain, unusual gastrointestinal bleeding, or have suspected small intestine disorders, your doctor may recommend this procedure to gather more information.
Dr. Masood Tareen will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if capsule endoscopy is the right choice for you.
What Can I Expect During a Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is straightforward and usually performed as an outpatient procedure. You will need to fast for several hours before swallowing the capsule. Once swallowed, the capsule begins capturing images as it moves through your digestive tract, and you can go about your day normally. After about 8-12 hours, you’ll return the recording device to the clinic, and the capsule will naturally pass out of your body in a bowel movement.
The images collected are then reviewed by Dr. Tareen to identify any abnormalities.
How is Capsule Endoscopy Used for Diagnosis?
Capsule endoscopy is used mainly as a diagnostic tool, providing a clear and comprehensive view of your small intestine. It’s particularly helpful for detecting conditions that are difficult to diagnose with other imaging techniques, such as small intestinal bleeding, tumors, and inflammatory diseases.
For a thorough and non-invasive assessment of your small intestine, call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Masood Tareen at Yaseen Hospital, Quetta. Our team is here to help you uncover answers and achieve better digestive health.