Capsule Endoscopy - Dr Indraneel Saha

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Endoscopic Intervention

What Is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic diagnosis procedure which led to the examination of entire gastrointestinal tract, including small & large intestine, esophagus and other organs. During this procedure, patients are given capsule like pills for swallowing which are easily digestible with the stomach enzymes. The capsule attached with a miniature camera passes down the throat to the stomach, offering clear imaging of existing gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumors, and bleeding lesions.

Why is Capsule Endoscopy Performed?

Screening for Colon Cancer: Capsule endoscopy helps in the early detection of colon cancer or colorectal cancer and helps in the timely prevention.
Screening & Removal of Polyps: It allows for the detection and removal of precancerous polyps, reducing the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Identifying Gastrointestinal Problems: Capsule endoscopy helps in the timely detection of other gastrointestinal problems like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, stomach infection, and changes in the bowel habits.
Diagnosis of IBD: It is used to diagnose conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease by assessing inflammation and tissue damage in the colon.
Evaluation of Anemia: Capsule endoscopy helps doctor to find out sources of anemia by identifying bleeding lesions or any other abnormalities present in the colon.

Advantages of Capsule Endoscopy

Non-Invasive Procedure: It is a non-invasive alternative to traditional endoscopic procedures, eliminating the need for sedation and insertion of a scope into the body.
Improved Patient Comfort: It is generally well-tolerated by patients, as it involves swallowing a small, disposable capsule containing a camera rather than undergoing an invasive procedure.
Convenient and Portable: Patients can carry out their daily activities while the capsule passes through the digestive tract, as it requires no external wires or attachments.
Appropriate in Patients with Incomplete Colonoscopies: It can be beneficial for patients with incomplete colonoscopies or suspected small bowel pathology that cannot be reached with traditional endoscopy techniques.

Related Treatments by Dr. Indraneel Saha

Piles Banding

What Is Piles Banding? Piles banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a laparoscopic procedure for treating internal hemorrhoids. It involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, leading to shrinkage and eventual resolution of symptoms.

Achalasia Balloon Dilatation

Achalasia balloon dilatation is a pneumatic endoscopic procedure performed when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax during food swallowing which prevents it from passing to the stomach. This process involves placing a balloon near the concerned area and inflating the same to widen the organ for the smooth passage of food.

Argon Plasma Coagulation

Argon Plasma Coagulation is a procedure performed during upper endoscopy or colonoscopy using argon gas to control bleeding from the lesions occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. This method also helps in treating Barrett’s esophagus, colonic polyps, esophageal cancer, etc.

Hepatitis B & C

Hepatitis B & C are types of a blood infection caused by the hepatitis virus which causes acute inflammation in the liver, leading to cirrhosis and steatosis. Sometimes, the effect of this virus can add to the risk of liver cancer in some patients.

Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is the permanent scarring of the liver leading the extreme damage and jeopardizing its normal function. It is a state where scar tissues are developed inside the liver, degrading its capacity to produce bile.

Fatty Liver

Fatty liver or steatosis is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells, causing various discomforts like high blood pressure, fluid build-up in the belly, and sometimes fatal liver. Keeping various risk factors in mind, immediate medical attention is mandatory for fast recovery.

Vomiting Blood

Vomiting blood can get serious if left untreated or ignored as this may be caused due to bleeding inside the upper GI tract, esophagus, or stomach. Moreover, blood vomiting can be a symptom of severe health issues like bleeding from ulcers, chronic pancreatitis, and acute inflammation.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of health issues related to the gastrointestinal tract. Some of the health issues associated with abdominal pain are intestinal disorders, blockage, lesions, inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition caused due to the inflammation in the pancreas. This tampers its impact on digestion by producing enzymes that break food and regulate hormones and glucose levels in the blood such as glucagon and insulin. Pancreatitis can be acute and chronic, depending on the intensity of the problem.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a medical condition that results in the yellowing of the skin, and white part of the eyes due to the excess bilirubin in the blood. Some of the common symptoms of this condition are dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, etc.

Diarrheal Issues

Diarrheal issues involve the occurrence of frequent and watery stools and can be caused by stomach infections or underlying digestive disorders. This can also be due to gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, etc.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed by healthcare professionals to examine the insides of a large intestine, also known as a colon. This process helps in identifying any swollen or inflamed tissue or polyps in the colon or rectum area.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy, a relatively safe procedure involves the insertion of a thin and long tube inside the human body to examine certain internal organs like gastrointestinal tracts. This minimally invasive process helps in performing imaging, surgeries, and other treatment plans.

ERCP Stone Extraction

ERCP stone extraction is an endoscopic procedure to remove calculi or stones from the pancreatic ducts or bile ducts. This procedure is performed by a gastrointestinal surgeon or interventional endoscopist and involves less pain and bleeding with no external incisions required.

Esophageal Dilatation

Esophageal Dilatation is a procedure performed to widen or narrow the lower section of the esophagus, which helps food to pass through the esophagus to the stomach. This procedure is mostly performed under sedation to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety.

Esophageal Stenting

Esophageal stenting is the placement of a stent or tubular device to clear any obstruction present in the esophagus, restricting the smooth passage of food. This treatment is common during esophageal cancer, perforation, and benign strictures.

Liver Fibroscan

A liver fibroscan is a non-invasive diagnostic test to examine the intensity of the underlying condition like liver scarring or steatosis a.k.a. fatty liver. Based on this test, the medical professional proceeds with the treatment plan, best suited to a patient.

Enteral Stenting

Enteral Stenting involves the insertion of a stent into the digestive tract in case of any blockage in the stomach, small intestine, and oesophageal area. This is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, commonly performed to treat malignant obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract.

ERCP Stenting

ERCP stenting is a medical procedure that helps in the treatment of any blockages present in the pancreas or bile duct. This process incorporates the work of both endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and is minimally invasive, making it effortless and less painful.

Liver Biopsy

The process of liver biopsy involves examining a small sample of liver tissue under the microscope to assess any signs of cancer, inflammation, fibrosis, or infection. Mostly, this procedure is carried on under laparoscopic set-up making it less painful and invasive.

Polypectomy

What Is Polypectomy? Polypectomy is a colonoscopic procedure performed to remove the presence of colon polyps. It is a laparoscopic treatment and helps in the complete removal of precancerous polyps.

Variceal Banding

What Is Variceal Banding? Variceal banding is performed to treat esophageal varices, which are abnormally dilated blood vessels in the esophagus. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension, as these conditions can lead to increased pressure in the veins supplying the liver, resulting in the development of varices.