Capsule Endoscopy

For problems such as unexplained bleeding, abdominal pain, suspected Crohn’s disease or other small bowel disorders, this test allows doctors to see the full length of your gastrointestinal tract using a small camera.

Book a consultation with our

in-house gastroenterologist to see if this test is right for you.

ALL TEST ARE ACCREDITED & REGULATED BY

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera, known as a “pillcam,” to take thousands of images as it travels through your food pipe, stomach, and intestines.

Your doctor may recommend capsule endoscopy to identify the cause of intestinal bleeding, detect inflammation from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, diagnose or monitor celiac disease, detect polyps or tumours in the small intestine, examine the oesophagus for varices or mucosal changes, and provide further information when other imaging tests are inconclusive.

This test is often performed when conventional endoscopy has not provided sufficient information.

How it works

On the day of the test, you will swallow a pill-sized capsule with a smooth coating to make it easy to swallow. The capsule contains a light source, camera, transmitter and battery.

As it travels naturally through your gastrointestinal tract, it records thousands of images which are transmitted wirelessly to a small recorder that you wear. You can go about light daily activities while the capsule is working, though you should avoid strenuous exercise.

After about 8 hours the capsule will have passed through your system. You will see it in your bowel movement, at which point you can remove the recorder and patches and return them to the clinic for analysis.

Getting your test results

Once you have returned the recorder, the images will be downloaded and analysed by our clinical team.

Your report will be sent to you and your referring consultant or doctor, who will explain the findings in a follow-up consultation. Capsule endoscopy can help identify bleeding sources, inflammation, strictures, or other abnormalities in the small intestine and oesophagus.

Paying for your test

Self-paying: If you are paying for this test yourself and not through insurance, the cost will be £1,850

This cost includes the capsule endoscopy test, analysis and report.

Insurance coverage

If you have private medical insurance, most companies can cover this for you.

After the Test (Post-Procedure Care)

After the test you can restart any medication and continue your everyday activities as usual.

Your results will be sent to a specialist for investigation, and you will get your detailed results at your next appointment with your consultant, who will discuss the outcome and all treatment solutions.