Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has launched a new pill camera designed for its patients. Parvish Kumar, the director and chief executive officer of PSH, announced that the pill camera has been recently implemented and the initial outcomes have been promising.
The capsule endoscopy system features a small, ingestible capsule that allows doctors to examine the small intestine, a crucial component of the digestive system connecting the stomach to the large intestine.
This innovative diagnostic tool can be utilized to identify and monitor various gastrointestinal conditions. The procedure is straightforward; patients simply swallow a capsule about the size of a large vitamin.
“Capsule Endoscopy provides Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital doctors with a non-invasive method to visualize the small bowel, which is often inaccessible through traditional endoscopy techniques,” Kumar explained.
The capsule is equipped with a miniature camera and light that captures images of the small intestine as it naturally moves through the digestive tract. These images are wirelessly transmitted to a recorder worn on a belt across the body.
Pacific Specialist Healthcare is leading the charge with the implementation of this wireless recording system. Capsule endoscopy is particularly useful for several medical evaluations, including:
– Identifying sources of bleeding in the small bowel, which is the most common reason for the procedure.
– Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
– Screening for polyps and diagnosing cancers within the digestive system.
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths after lung cancer in several countries.
Here are some common questions regarding the procedure:
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The initial setup at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital generally takes about 30 minutes. Once the sensor belt is attached and the recorder is activated, you can swallow the capsule and go about your normal activities for several hours while the test is conducted.
Q: What happens after I return the recorder and sensors?
A: The images stored in the recorder will be downloaded to a computer for a detailed review by the doctors, who will then contact you with the results.
Q: Will I experience any pain or discomfort from the capsule?
A: No, swallowing the capsule should not cause any discomfort, nor should you feel it moving through your gastrointestinal tract. The capsule is designed to be disposable and will pass naturally during your bowel movements.