Private Video Capsule Endoscopy
A pill-sized video capsule to show the inside of your body
Capsule endoscopy is a procedure where you swallow a pill-sized video capsule which slowly passes through your body
What is a capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic test used to examine the gastrointestinal tract and check for small bowel disorders and conditions such as Crohn's disease, polyps and malabsorption.
There are three types of capsule:
- the oesophageal capsule
- the small bowel capsule
- the colon capsule
Need to know
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What happens during a capsule endoscopy? icon plus
Your consultant or nurse will prepare you for the test by attaching sensors to your abdomen. You won't need to be sedated or have an anaesthetic before taking the capsule. You'll need to swallow the capsule with water. The capsule has its own camera and light and takes two images per second.
While the capsule passes through your body, it sends images to a data recorder which you wear in a shoulder bag, close to your waist. You can go about your normal routine and the entire procedure takes about eight hours. Usually you can eat about four hours after you swallowed the capsule, unless your consultant tells you otherwise. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how to prepare for this test. Like all procedures, there may be some risks or side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You may need to fast overnight before the test. If you're taking iron tablets, you may need to stop taking these for one week beforehand. -
After your capsule endoscopy icon plus
Your consultant or nurse will remove the sensors from your chest and take the data recorder from you. We'll download the data recorded during your test, and your consultant will review it and talk through the results with you.
The capsule is disposable and will pass through your body naturally with your bowel movement. You shouldn't feel any pain or discomfort.
Please be aware: After swallowing the tablet and passing it, you shouldn't have an MRI scan or go near an MRI machine.
Our gastroenterology consultants
Our locations in London
From complex gastric surgery to diagnostic tests and minor procedures, we provide exceptional gastroenterology care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Endoscopy Centre
21 Wellington Hospital
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Endoscopy Centre
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Digestive Health
2nd Floor
41 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestion
HCA UK at The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private capsule endoscopy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344