Capsule Endoscopy in Katy, TX
We Perform Video Capsule Endoscopies at Our Clinic
If you need superior gastroenterology solutions in Katy, TX, look no further than Dr. Vivian Asamoah Gastroenterology. We combine conventional and alternative medicine to treat our patients’ gastrointestinal conditions. If you are battling an ailment, we will take time to understand your circumstances before devising a treatment plan that may include education, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and functional medicine to promote long-lasting improvements. One way we can help isolate your issue and learn more about what is keeping you from optimum health is a capsule endoscopy. We are adept at performing this procedure and confident it will lead to positive results for you. Call us today to learn more about this approach.
What Is a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy?
A small bowel capsule endoscopy is a procedure that allows our medical staff to examine the lining in the middle of your gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine’s duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. We will provide you with a pill-sized video camera to swallow. This tiny device features its own light source and captures thousands of pictures of your small intestine as it passes through your body. The images are then sent to a small recording device you will keep on your person throughout the procedure. It gives us insight into an area that is hard to access via traditional endoscopy procedures.
Determining if You Are a Candidate for Capsule Endoscopy
This procedure is open to adults aged 18 or older who have experienced gastrointestinal bleeding or inexplicable abdominal pain. During a consultation, we will conduct a thorough physical exam to ensure you can handle the process. We do not recommend small bowel capsule endoscopies for individuals with obstructions in their gastrointestinal tract.
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
Before your capsule endoscopy, we will provide you with a list of instructions to help prepare. You will not be permitted to eat or drink for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure. Depending on your circumstances, we may also suggest taking a laxative to flush your small intestine. When possible, we will ask you to discontinue your regular medications in the lead-up to your small bowel capsule endoscopy to avoid interfering with the camera.
Reasons for Performing Video Capsule Endoscopies
There are many reasons why Dr. Asamoah may suggest a video capsule endoscopy. It is among the best ways to get a glimpse of your gastrointestinal tract and determine what is causing you pain or suffering. We perform small bowel capsule endoscopies to:
- Diagnose cancer
- Diagnose celiac disease
- Diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases
- Examine the esophagus
- Identify the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Perform follow-up testing after imaging tests
- Screen for polyps
What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure
On the day of your capsule endoscopy, we will begin with a review of the procedure so that you know what to expect. We will then provide a recording device that you must wear on your waist while the video capsule travels through your gastrointestinal tract. This device will store the many images taken by the capsule. Next, you will swallow the pill with a small amount of water. You can then go about your daily activities. However, you must wait at least two hours before consuming clear liquids and four hours before having a small snack. Please avoid strenuous activities and sudden motions during the day.
What You Should Do After a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy
After eight hours have elapsed or the capsule has passed out of your body through a bowel movement, you will return to our office in Katy, TX so that we may collect the recording device. If you have yet to pass the capsule upon your return, do not worry. You will likely notice it following a bowel movement in the coming hours or days. It is safe to flush down the toilet. However, let us know if you do not pass the capsule so that we can use imaging technology to locate it. After retrieving the recording device, our medical professionals will transfer the images to a computer and use specialized technology to evaluate the results. The video enables us to identify any areas of concern and discuss appropriate treatment strategies with you.
Contact Dr. Vivian Asamoah Gastroenterology Today
If you are experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding, you may need a small bowel capsule endoscopy to determine the cause of your condition. Dr. Vivian Asamoah Gastroenterology offers this procedure at our state-of-the-art clinic in Katy, TX. Contact us today to request an appointment.