Capsule endoscopy - gentle small bowel diagnostics with modern technology in Bern
At Vivomed, we want to ensure that you receive the best possible care for your well-being.
Capsule endoscopy is an innovative and particularly gentle procedure for examining the small intestine. It is primarily used when conventional examinations such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy do not provide sufficient findings.
At Vivomed - Gastroenterology Bern, we use capsule endoscopy specifically for the precise clarification of unclear complaints - for patients from Bern, German-speaking Switzerland, Valais and beyond. Here's what you need to know about capsule endoscopy:
Small intestine video capsule (sample image)
When is capsule endoscopy useful?
Capsule endoscopy is used in particular for
- Unclear bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
- Anemia (iron deficiency) without an identifiable cause
- Suspicion of small bowel disease
- Chronic abdominal pain of unknown cause
- Suspicion of Crohn's disease of the small intestine
- Clarification after an inconspicuous gastroscopy and colonoscopy
Why is capsule endoscopy important?
Capsule endoscopy is particularly useful for examining areas of the digestive tract that are difficult to reach with conventional endoscopes. It is painless and easy to perform, making it particularly suitable for patients who do not wish to undergo a traditional endoscopy or are unable to do so.
Capsule endoscopy procedure
The procedure is simple, safe and very well tolerated by most patients:
- Preliminary discussion & indication check
- Clarification of symptoms, preliminary examinations and suitability for capsule endoscopy. - Preparation of the bowel
- Special preparation ensures a good view of the small intestine. - Swallowing the capsule
- The capsule is taken with a little water. - Everyday life during the examination
- Patients can move freely and carry out everyday activities. - Natural elimination of the capsule
- The capsule is excreted naturally. - Evaluation of the image data
- The images are carefully analyzed and discussed with you.
Makean appointment for a capsule endoscopy at Vivomed and experience an advanced, patient-friendly method of examining your digestive tract. We are here to promote your health and well-being and provide you with the best service.
FAQ questions: Video capsule endoscopy.
Is capsule endoscopy painful or risky?
Capsule endoscopy is painless and does not require sedation.
Complications are rare. In special situations (e.g. in the case of known constrictions in the bowel), it is carefully checked in advance whether the examination is suitable.
Thanks to modern technology, capsule endoscopy is now a very safe procedure.
Advantages of capsule endoscopy at a glance
- Non-invasive - no tubes, no instruments in the bowel
- Painless & without anesthesia
- Complete visualization of the small intestine
- High diagnostic value
- Can be performed on an outpatient basis
Capsule endoscopy often provides crucial information when other methods reach their limits, especially in cases of unclear symptoms.
Capsule endoscopy at Vivomed - Gastroenterology Bern
At our practice in Bern, we perform capsule endoscopy in a structured and careful manner and in accordance with current medical standards. We attach great importance to
- clear indication
- comprehensible information
- careful image evaluation
- individual discussion of the findings
Our patients come from Bern, German-speaking Switzerland, Valais and other regions of Switzerland.
How long does the examination take?
The intake takes place over several hours while the capsule passes through the small intestine.
Do I have to stay in the practice?
No, the examination is performed on an outpatient basis.
does the health insurance company cover the costs?
If medically indicated, capsule endoscopy is generally covered by basic insurance.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
During capsule endoscopy, the patient swallows a small camera capsule, about the size of a vitamin tablet. This capsule moves naturally through the digestive tract, taking thousands of high-resolution images of the small intestine. The images are transmitted wirelessly to a recording device and then evaluated by specialized gastroenterologists.
Special feature:
The small intestine can only be reached to a limited extent with conventional endoscopes - capsule endoscopy enables complete, non-invasive imaging for the first time.
What are the areas of application for capsule endoscopy?
Capsule endoscopy is an important tool, particularly for intestinal bleeding with an unclear source of bleeding, but also for inflammatory changes.
Preparation for capsule endoscopy?
Your doctor will explain to you in good time how the examination will proceed and how you should prepare. The colon must be free of digestive residues for the capsule endoscopy. A clean colon is very important for the examination. The cleaner the bowel is, the better the view and the more reliably the doctor can recognize even small tissue changes on the images. For bowel preparation, we will give you a special cleansing agent for the bowel, together with precise instructions on when and how to take it.
A few days before: Preparation begins a few days before the examination. You must no longer eat meals with grains or seeds, such as muesli, grain bread or rolls, tomatoes, grapes, kiwis or cucumbers. You should also avoid leafy salads, peppers, mushrooms and spinach.
One day before: The correct bowel cleansing begins the day before you take the capsule. We will give you an individual bowel cleansing program, which will be explained to you in detail. As instructed, you should drink as much clear liquid as possible after the colon cleanser.
What can you expect during the capsule endoscopy?
You do not need to take a sleeping pill for this examination, as you would for a colonoscopy.
After you have swallowed the capsule (25 mm long), you will go about your normal daily routine. You wear the recording device while the capsule makes its way through your digestive tract. Patients can move freely during the intestinal passage. The capsule sends images from the inside of the intestine by radio to the data recorder you are carrying. At the end of the examination day, you return the recording device and we analyze the recorded images to make an accurate diagnosis.
What are the advantages of capsule endoscopy?
- Non-invasive and painless
- Examines areas of the digestive tract that are difficult to reach
- Ideal for patients who are afraid of or unable to undergo traditional endoscopies
- Precise and detailed images for an accurate diagnosis
- No need to take a sleeping pill
What are the disadvantages of capsule endoscopy?
- No tissue samples can be taken during the examination and no therapeutic interventions can be carried out. Depending on the findings, further examinations may be necessary
- The costs of this examination are only covered by health insurance in outpatient care after a cost credit consultation.
What complications can occur?
Capsule endoscopy cannot be performed on known or suspected narrowings (stenoses) in the digestive tract, as there is a risk of the capsule getting stuck.