Capsule Endoscopy in Georgia
GI Specialists of Georgia’s Effective Capsule Endoscopies
Modern medical technology has allowed GI Specialists of Georgia to offer less-invasive procedures to our patients. When it comes to GI-related illnesses, some of the traditional procedures and tests were challenging to experience. With capsule endoscopy, Georgia patients can gain a better idea of what is happening in their bodies without the discomfort associated with conventional endoscopy. We use this test to take high-definition photographs of your small intestine. Once a challenging area of your body to access, capsule endoscopy makes the small intestine more accessible. Once we view the pictures, we can diagnose a GI illness and start working on effective treatment.
What to Do Before Your Capsule Endoscopy
While capsule endoscopies are straightforward procedures, they do require a little bit of preparation before the endoscopy. We will communicate this information to you during your pre-procedure appointment. On the day before your test, you need to complete the following steps:
- Beginning at noon, drink only clear liquids, and avoid all red dyes
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
- At six p.m., mix a 2.9oz of Miralax with 16oz of a 32oz bottle of Gatorade. Avoid red, purple, and orange flavors. If you are diabetic, you can substitute Crystal Light.
- Do not take Mylanta, Maalox, Pepto Bismol, milk of magnesia, or any other material that coats the stomach
- If you have a hairy abdomen, you will need to shave it.
How to Prepare on the Day of the Test
There is more preparation work to be done the next day. We encourage you to create a to-do list, as missing any steps could interfere with the results. If you have any questions, you can give us a call. It’s best to ask, rather than hinder the test.
- Two hours before your exam, take the remaining 1.2oz of MiraLax and combine it with the remaining 16oz of the Gatorade.
- Take one tablespoon of simethicone (also called Gas-X or Phazyme) as soon as you wake up in the morning.
- Do not take your regular morning medications
- Wear loose-fitting clothing in two parts. Do not wear a dress or jeans.
- Before you ingest the pill camera capsule, we attach electrodes to your abdomen. The electrodes connect to the data record kept on your waist.
- Next, you swallow the pill camera capsule, along with a little water.
What to Do Once You Ingest the Capsule
While capsule endoscopies are painless and more straightforward than traditional endoscopies, they do require some work on your part. Fortunately, GI Specialists of Georgia has laid out everything you need to know as the test progresses. If you experience any abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting during the endoscopy, you need to contact us immediately. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Do not eat or drink for two hours following your appointment, and then only clear liquids. After six hours, you can enjoy a light snack.
- Avoid standing, sitting, or lying near any source of electromagnetic energy, such as an MRI device or X-ray.
- Sometimes the results can be thrown off due to radio interference.
- You can expect the capsule endoscopy to last eight hours. Do not disconnect the equipment or remove the belt for any reason during this period, as it will disrupt the test.
- Be sure to verify the light on the data recorder is blinking every fifteen minutes. If it stops, record the time, what you were doing, and any physical sensations in your journey.
- Avoid any strenuous activity during the test.
What to Know About Post-Op Procedures
After the test is complete, you’ll revisit our office, where you’ll return the data-recording equipment. At that point, we’ll get to work analyzing the results. At this point, you can return to your regular diet. There are some things to consider, though:
- If you don’t verify the excretion of the pill camera from your body, and you experience any unexplained nausea or vomiting, contact us immediately. We may order an x-ray examination.
- Do not, under any circumstances, undergo an MRI if you haven’t positively verified the pill camera exited your body. If the pill camera is still in your body, the MRI could cause serious damage to your intestinal tract.
Schedule a Capsule Endoscopy Today
At GI Specialists of Georgia, we work hard to maintain our reputation for innovative gastroenterological care. It wouldn’t be possible without our dedication to your comfort and our commitment to your convenience. We boast nine offices; each spread through the greater Northern Atlanta area, as well as three locations used specifically for endoscopies. If you’re suffering from a GI illness, then we recommend you contact our practice today. We can help.