Capsule Endoscopy

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a test known as Capsule Endoscopy. This procedure involves swallowing a Given Imaging M2A Capsule (the size of a large vitamin pill), which will pass naturally through your digestive system while taking pictures of the intestine. The images are transmitted to a sensor array, which is placed on your abdomen with adhesive pads. These sensors are attached to a walk-man like data recorder that is worn around your waist and it will save all of the images. You will be allowed to leave once the sensors and data recorder have been attached and you have swallowed the capsule. You will be asked to return in 8 hours to have the sensors and data recorder removed so that the images can be downloaded to a computer for your physician to view. The M2A capsule is disposable and will be evacuated naturally in your bowel movement. In the rare case that it will not be excreted naturally, it will have to be removed endoscopically or surgically.

In order for your physician to get the most accurate information from this test, you will need to follow several instructions.

• Do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to undergoing your test.
  
• Your doctor may instruct you to take something to clean your bowels.
  
• After swallowing the capsule, do not eat or drink at all for at least 2 hours. After 2 hours, you may have liquids.
  
• After 4 hours, you may have a light meal.
  
• Avoid strenuous activity and try not to bend or stoop while wearing the belt.
  
• Every 15 minutes, you will need to verify that the small green light on top of the recorder is blinking. If for some reason it stops, you will be given a name and number of a person to contact.

Contact your physician immediately, if you have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting anytime after swallowing the M2A Capsule.