Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has launched a new pill cam for its patients. PSH’s director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, confirmed that the capsule was introduced recently and that initial results have been promising.
The capsule endoscopy system consists of a small ingestible capsule that enables doctors to visualize the small bowel, which connects the stomach to the large intestine and plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolic processes. This innovative procedure can be used to diagnose and monitor a range of conditions within the digestive tract.
The process requires patients to swallow a capsule, comparable in size to a large vitamin. Kumar explained, “Capsule Endoscopy offers a non-invasive method for our doctors to visualize the small bowel, a part of the digestive system that is not accessible through traditional endoscopy methods.” The capsule is equipped with a tiny camera and light source that captures images of the small intestine as it naturally progresses through the digestive tract.
These images are sent to a recorder worn across the body, with a sensor belt facilitating the data transmission. PSH has equipped their initial patients with a wireless recorder belt.
Capsule endoscopy is beneficial for diagnosing several conditions, including:
– Identifying the cause of bleeding in the small bowel, which is the most common reason for the procedure.
– Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
– Screening for polyps and diagnosing cancer, particularly looking for potential growths in the digestive tract.
Bowel cancer is noted to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in several countries, following lung cancer.
In a Q & A session, Kumar addressed several common questions regarding the procedure:
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: You will spend about 30 minutes at PSH to initiate the procedure. After placing the sensor belt on your abdomen, connecting the recorder, and swallowing the capsule, you are free to leave. The test lasts several hours during which you can continue with your normal activities.
Q: What happens after I return the recorder and sensors to PSH?
A: The images captured during your procedure will be downloaded to a computer, where our doctors will review them in color video format. You will then be contacted with the results.
Q: Will I feel any pain or discomfort from the capsule?
A: No. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort while swallowing the capsule or as it moves through your gastrointestinal tract. The capsule is designed to be disposable and will pass naturally during a bowel movement.