Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) has launched a new pill camera designed for its patients. Parvish Kumar, the director and CEO of PSH, announced that the introduction of the capsule has been met with positive results so far.
The capsule endoscopy system consists of a small, ingestible capsule that enables doctors to visualize the small bowel, an integral part of the digestive system located between the stomach and large intestine. This method is particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring various digestive disorders.
During the procedure, patients swallow a capsule comparable in size to a large vitamin pill. Kumar explained that “Capsule Endoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows doctors at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital to view the small bowel, which cannot be examined through traditional endoscopy methods.”
The capsule is equipped with a miniature camera and light source that captures images as it moves through the digestive tract. These images are sent to a recorder worn on a belt, which transmits the data for analysis.
PSH is at the forefront of implementing this wireless recording technology. Capsule endoscopy is indicated for several conditions, including:
– Identifying the source of bleeding in the small bowel, the primary reason for the procedure.
– Diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
– Screening for polyps and identifying cancerous growths within the digestive system.
Bowel cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer in many regions.
In a Q&A section, PSH addressed common patient inquiries:
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Initially, patients spend about 30 minutes at the hospital for setup. After placing a sensor belt around the abdomen and swallowing the capsule, they can leave. The entire test lasts a few hours, during which daily activities can be maintained.
Q: What occurs after returning the recorder and sensors to the hospital?
A: The images recorded during the procedure are downloaded to a computer, where doctors analyze them in a color video format. Patients will be contacted with their results afterward.
Q: Will there be any pain or discomfort from the capsule?
A: No pain or discomfort should be experienced while swallowing the capsule or as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule is designed to be disposable, exiting the body naturally.