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CLINICAL OUTLOOK
PillCam: A New Innovation in Endoscopies By Lindsay Spencer NFCA Intern The PillCam Capsule Endoscopy offers something many people with celiac disease have dreamt about, a painless way to analyze the small intestine for any intestinal disorders or diseases. The PillCam is a small camera placed inside a capsule, about the size of a regular vitamin, which is ingested. Unlike more invasive procedures like a flexible sigmoidoscopy, the PillCam captures pictures of the entire small intestine giving a more accurate depiction of any damage to the small intestine. The high resolution pictures can easily show damaged villi within the small intestine, making it easy to diagnose people with celiac disease. Once a patient has met with a gastroenterologist, he or she swallows the capsule with water and ensures with the doctor that it is working properly. Sensory cords are attached to the patient’s chest and the data recorder, similar to a fanny pack, is placed around their waist. The patient is then free to go on with their normal daily activities for the entire eight-hour period. After the eight hours, the patient returns to the doctor’s office to return the data recorder and sensory cords so that the doctor can then analyze the images. The tiny camera takes two pictures a second of the intestinal lining throughout the eight-hour time period, totaling up to 57,000 pictures! The doctor’s experience will determine the time it takes to analyze the images. Therefore it is best to discuss with your doctor his or her comfort with the program to ensure the most accurate results. Pre-procedure--which is similar to most gastroenterology procedures--requires a 10-hour fast. No enemas or cleansing liquids are required. The patients are then allowed to eat and drink regularly four hours after ingesting the PillCam. Smokers are also advised to stop smoking 24 hours before the procedure. Patients are directed not undergo or be near an MRI until the capsule has been excreted naturally. Patients with pacemakers or previous abdominal surgery should speak to their doctors before undergoing the procedure. Given Imaging has also designed the PillCam for the esophagus, particularly for those with acid reflux, and for children ages 10 and older. The PillCam designed for children has smaller features such as a smaller data recorder and smaller sensory cords. The PillCam helps take a forward step in the diagnosis of celiac disease. The high quality pictures will make it easier for doctors to notice the damaged villi and properly diagnose celiac Disease, instead of mistaking it for other intestinal diseases. For further information or to see where a gastroenterologist with PillCam knowledge is in your area, visit the Given Imaging website: www.givenimaging.com/Cultures/en-US/Given/English/Patients/ |
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