Capsule endoscopy

Your gastroenterologist may recommend a capsule endoscopy if you have symptoms or test results that suggest a problem in the small intestine. This is particularly useful as the small intestine is difficult to assess fully with standard endoscopes. 

Common indications include: 

• unexplained bleeding/iron deficiency anaemia
• persistent diarrhoea
• assessing suspected or known conditions such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease 
• checking for growths, ulcers, or polyps 

Good bowel preparation is important to ensure the clearest possible images. Your consultant or endoscopy team will give you specific instructions tailored to you. 

You will usually be asked not to eat after lunch the day prior to the test but can drink clear fluids. In some cases, you may also be advised to take a laxative to help clear the small intestine.  

You should inform your medical team in advance if you have swallowing difficulties, known bowel narrowing, a history of bowel obstruction, or if you have an implanted medical device such as a pacemaker. 

Capsule endoscopy does not require recovery time. After swallowing the capsule, you can usually leave the hospital and continue with most of your normal daily activities, following any advice given by the endoscopy team. 

You will be able to eat and drink again after a period of four hours. The capsule is single-use and passes naturally in your bowel movement, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You may not notice it when this happens, and it does not need to be retrieved. 

Failure of the capsule to pass through the bowel is very uncommon, but if the capsule does not pass naturally, your consultant will advise you on further management. You will be given clear instructions on when and how you will receive your results.