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What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy is a special examination of your intestine with a camera that is the shape and size of a pill, which you swallow. It passes through the intestine taking several pictures per second, which are put together into a video of what the camera has seen. The pictures will be transmitted to a data recorder, which is worn on a belt around your abdomen for the duration of the examination. You will be asked to wear the recorder for around 12 hours. The capsule pill passes through your bowel and is excreted naturally when you open your bowels. It does not hurt to pass the capsule and it can be flushed away – the capsule DOES NOT need to be returned to the hospital.
Preparing for your examination
7 days before your examination
If you normally take iron tablets, stop taking them now.
2 days before your examination
Stop taking any constipating agents (Immodium, codeine, Tramadol, Co-codamol etc.) but continue with other medication and any laxatives that you normally take. Avoid fibre supplements such as Fybogel.
The day before your examination
You can have a light breakfast. After this time, have only clear liquids including water, tea or coffee without milk, clear soup or lemonade and squashes.
From midnight, drink water only.
You can continue taking your regular medication.
On the day of your examination
You must not eat anything on the day of your examination. Do not take any medication for 2 hours before the test.
If you are diabetic do not take your insulin/medication on the morning of your test but do bring it to the hospital. It is important to maintain a blood sugar level of 5 leading up to your procedure.
Check your glucose level and if necessary, have some sugar or glucose tablets.
When you attend the unit, a nurse will show you the capsule, which you will then swallow with a glass of water. A belt will be placed around your abdomen. This contains the recorder that receives images from the capsule.
You will only need to be in the unit for about 1 hour. You may then leave the hospital.
Two hours after ingesting the capsule you may drink clear fluids and take any medications. Four hours after ingestion, you can have your normal meal.
After 12 hours, remove the recording belt.
You will be given an information leaflet upon discharge when to resume drinking and eating. Also, we will discuss the time to return the recording belt.
After the examination
Over the next 24-48 hours you may notice that you pass the camera in your stool. Note the event but DO NOT retrieve the camera. If you do not notice the passage of the camera in your stool, do not be alarmed. Very occasionally we may need to carry out an X-Ray to confirm that the capsule has passed. If we feel this is necessary, we’ll let you know.
Are there any risks?
- If there is a narrowing (stricture) of the bowel, the capsule can get stuck in the bowel. If the capsule becomes stuck, surgery may be required (approximately 1 in 1000 cases).
- Rarely, there is a risk of technical failure and retention is 1:400 and this can result in the test being repeated.
- You should not undergo an MRI scan whilst having the capsule endoscopy or until the capsule has passed through the bowel and left your body. The capsule contains metal parts which can move during an MRI scan.
For patients having a Patency Capsule
What is a patency capsule and why is it carried out?
A patency capsule is carried out to assess there is no blockage (obstruction) within the small bowel which can potentially prevent the safe passage of the video capsule.
This procedure is carried out by asking you to swallow a capsule made of dissolvable material, if it dissolves by the time if leaves your body then this confirms that it would be safe to carry out the capsule endoscopy. All patients will need an abdominal Xray 24-30 hours post patency capsule procedure.
This procedure is normally carried out on the following patients.
- Suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease, which suggests there is a blockage specifically in the small bowel.
- Known history of small bowel narrowing
- Known history of small bowel surgery
Once the patency capsule has been successfully passed another appointment will be made within two weeks to carry out the video capsule endoscopy.
On the day of your procedure
- Once booked in from reception the nurse will carry out a pre-procedure admission whereby you will be given the opportunity to ask any questions.
- Once consented for your procedure, the nurse on the day will ask you to swallow the capsule with some water.
- The patency capsule will then pass your digestive tract.
- Prior to discharge the nurse will give you aftercare information on what to expect and to monitor your stools for the patency capsule.
After the procedure
- We will advise you when you can resume eating and drinking before you leave the department.
- We will advise you to inform the endoscopy unit once you have passed the patency capsule.
Does the patency capsule have any risks?
Although the procedure is safe, there is a small risk of capsule retention; however, please note by 30 hours the capsule will start to dissolve into tiny pieces which will pass through your intestine naturally.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are worried about any symptoms you experience after this test
Within office hours, telephone the unit in which your procedure was done:
• Lady Sobell GI Unit, Wexham Park Hospital on 0300 615 4163
• Endoscopy unit, Frimley Park Hospital on 0300 613 6045
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.
About this information
Service:
Endoscopy
Reference:
H/042
Approval date:
8 July 2025
Review date:
1 July 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.