Capsule Endoscopy
The small intestine cannot be reached by traditional a upper endoscopy or by a colonoscopy. A capsule endoscopy allows for the examination of the lining of the small intestine. The patient swallows a pill-sized video camera, which takes pictures as it passes through the small intestines. The pictures are sent to a small recording device worn on the patient’s body. These picture help detect the cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers, and tumors of the small intestine.
