Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has launched a new pill camera for its patients. Parvish Kumar, the director and CEO of PSH, announced that the capsule has been successfully implemented recently.
This innovative capsule endoscopy system consists of a small ingestible capsule that allows doctors to visualize the small bowel, the part of the intestine that connects the stomach to the large intestine, crucial for digestion and metabolic processes. Capsule endoscopy is utilized to diagnose and monitor various gastrointestinal conditions.
The procedure involves the patient swallowing a small capsule, comparable in size to a large vitamin. Kumar emphasized that “Capsule Endoscopy is a non-invasive method for PSH doctors to specifically examine the small bowel, which is not accessible through other endoscopic procedures.” The capsule is equipped with a tiny camera and light source, which captures images of the small intestine as it progresses through the digestive tract. These images are sent to a recorder worn by the patient, supported by a sensor belt that relays the data to the recording system.
PSH has introduced this technology to patients equipped with a wireless recording belt. Capsule endoscopy is indicated for several conditions, including identifying the cause of small bowel bleeding, diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and screening for polyps or cancer within the digestive tract.
Bowel cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in certain countries, following lung cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The initial step at PSH typically takes about 30 minutes. Once the sensor belt is affixed to your abdomen and the recorder is connected, you can swallow the capsule and proceed with your day. The test itself lasts for several hours.
Q: What occurs after I return the recorder and sensors to PSH?
A: The images stored in the recorder during the procedure will be downloaded onto a computer for evaluation by our doctors, who will analyze them in color video format. You will then be informed of the results.
Q: Will there be any pain or discomfort from the capsule?
A: No, there should be no discomfort experienced when swallowing the capsule or as it passes through the GI tract. The capsule is designed to be disposable and will exit the body naturally during bowel movements.