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At Tulsa Gastrointestinal Consultants (TGiC), we offer capsule endoscopy—a minimally invasive, pain-free diagnostic procedure that helps evaluate the small intestine. This advanced technology uses a tiny, swallowable camera capsule to capture detailed images of your digestive tract, allowing our board-certified gastroenterologists to diagnose conditions that traditional endoscopy or colonoscopy may not detect.

If you’re experiencing unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, capsule endoscopy may provide the answers you need for proper treatment.

Call us today at (918) 438-7050 to schedule your consultation!

What is Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive test that uses a pill-sized wireless camera to take thousands of high-resolution images of your small intestine. The capsule is swallowed like a regular pill, and as it moves through your digestive system, it transmits images to a small recorder worn on a belt.

This procedure is commonly used to diagnose:

• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
• Chronic iron-deficiency anemia
• Crohn’s disease & inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Small intestine polyps or tumors
• Celiac disease (in cases where symptoms persist despite treatment)

Find out if capsule endoscopy is right for you! Call (918) 438-7050 today.

How to Prepare for a Capsule Endoscopy

Proper preparation ensures clear images and an accurate diagnosis. Here’s how to get ready:

• Dietary Restrictions – Avoid food and drinks after 7:00 PM the night before the procedure. Stay hydrated, but only with clear liquids.
• Medication Adjustments – If you take blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, Plavix®, Coumadin®), diabetes medications, or NSAIDs, ask your doctor if any modifications are needed.
• Clothing – Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your appointment.

Need help preparing? Call us at (918) 438-7050 for assistance.

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure

Before the Procedure

• Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and wear a monitoring vest or belt that captures images from the capsule.
• Your provider will activate the capsule and guide you through swallowing it with water.

During the Test

• You can leave the office and go about your normal day.
• After 2 hours, you may drink clear liquids.
• After 4 hours, you can eat a light meal (avoid greasy or heavy foods).
• The capsule will naturally pass through your digestive system and is not reusable.

After the Procedure

• After 8 hours, return to our office to remove the monitoring equipment.
• The images will be analyzed by our gastroenterologist, and you’ll be contacted with results within a week.

Don’t wait to get answers about your digestive health! Schedule your capsule endoscopy today.

Is Capsule Endoscopy Safe?

Capsule endoscopy is extremely safe with a very low risk of complications. However, in rare cases (less than 1% of patients), the capsule may get stuck in a narrowed part of the intestine due to conditions like Crohn’s disease or tumors. If this occurs, additional imaging or medical intervention may be needed.

Call us immediately at (918) 438-7050 if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• A prolonged delay in passing the capsule

Q: Will I feel anything when the capsule is inside me?
A: No, the capsule is painless and moves naturally through your digestive system. Most patients do not feel anything after swallowing it.

Q: How long does it take for the capsule to pass?
A: The capsule usually passes within 24–48 hours in your stool. You do not need to retrieve it, as it is disposable.

Q: Can I exercise after swallowing the capsule?
A: Light activity like walking is fine, but avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 8 hours after swallowing the capsule.

Q: What happens if the capsule gets stuck?
A:  In rare cases, the capsule may get stuck due to narrowing of the intestine. If this happens, you may need additional imaging or a minor procedure to remove it.

Q: Is capsule endoscopy better than traditional endoscopy?
A:  Capsule endoscopy is better for viewing the small intestine, but it cannot take biopsies or remove polyps like a traditional endoscopy. If abnormalities are found, further testing may be required.

Still have questions? Our team is here to help – call (918) 438-7050!