Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has launched a new capsule endoscopy system for its patients. Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, announced that the pill cam was recently introduced, and initial results have been positive.
The capsule is a small, ingestible device that allows doctors to visualize the small bowel, which plays a crucial role in digestion. This technology aids in diagnosing and monitoring various digestive tract conditions.
The procedure requires patients to swallow a capsule similar in size to a large vitamin. Kumar explained that “Capsule Endoscopy is a non-invasive method for doctors at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital to view the small bowel, which is difficult to access with other endoscopic techniques.” The capsule is equipped with a tiny camera and light source that captures images as it moves through the digestive system.
These images are sent to a recorder worn on a belt around the body, facilitating real-time data transmission from the capsule. PSH has pioneered the use of this wireless recording system for its patients.
Capsule endoscopy is particularly useful for:
– Identifying the source of bleeding in the small bowel, the most common reason for this procedure.
– Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
– Screening for polyps and detecting cancer within the digestive tract.
Bowel cancer is a significant concern, being the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in some countries, following lung cancer.
In a Q&A format, PSH addressed common questions about the procedure:
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The initial setup at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital lasts around 30 minutes. After placing the sensor belt on your abdomen and connecting the recorder, you can swallow the capsule and continue with your normal activities for a few hours while it captures images.
Q: What happens after returning the recorder and sensors?
A: The images collected will be downloaded to a computer for evaluation by doctors, and patients will be contacted with the results.
Q: Will I experience any pain or discomfort from the capsule?
A: Patients typically do not feel any discomfort while swallowing the capsule or as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule is designed to pass naturally during bowel movements.