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Procedures

Capsule Endoscopy in Charlotte

Easy, Definitive Diagnosis by Charlotte's Leading Experts 

  • Offers insight into areas that a traditional upper-endoscopy or colonoscopy can't explore
  • Can provide insight for disorders that are challenging to diagnose 
  • Excellent diagnostic tool in the hands of experts with 28+ years of experience
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TRUST YOUR GUT TO THE EXPERTS

What is a Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy uses a pill-sized camera that the patient swallows, which allows doctors to see the lining of your small intestines. The capsule sends pictures to a device that you wear, and your doctor will review those pictures to make a diagnosis. This procedure is used to help diagnose conditions specific to the small intestines, an area that standard upper endoscopies and colonoscopies cannot fully visualize.

Your doctor may recommend a capsule endoscopy if other tests haven’t provided a clear diagnosis. Conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can cause symptoms that are difficult to pinpoint, and small-intestinal changes may not be visible on standard procedures. When you choose Charlotte Gastro, you benefit from 28+ years of experience and a team that puts your comfort first — walking you through every step of the process. Capsule endoscopy is available at our Rea Farms, Randolph Road, and Mooresville offices.

CONDITIONS

Conditions We Treat

A capsule endoscopy is ideal for evaluating:

Celiac disease

An autoimmune condition triggered by gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine, often causing symptoms that are difficult to identify through standard procedures.

Crohn's disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that most commonly targets the small intestine, causing inflammation, pain, and other digestive symptoms not always visible through standard testing.

Unexplained Intestinal Bleeding

When the source of GI bleeding cannot be identified through standard endoscopy or colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy can visualize the full length of the small intestine.

Ulcers

Open sores in the lining of the small intestine that may cause pain, bleeding, or other digestive symptoms, and are not always detectable through conventional procedures.

Tumors

Capsule endoscopy can help identify polyps, tumors, or other abnormal growths in the small intestine that may not be visible through standard diagnostic procedures.

Unexplained abdominal pain

When persistent abdominal pain has no clear cause after standard testing, capsule endoscopy provides a more complete view of the small intestine to identify potential sources.

Risk Factors

  • Personal or family history of Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
  • Family history of other inflammatory bowel disorders
  • Persistent GI symptoms with no clear diagnosis from standard procedures
  • Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Prior inconclusive results from upper endoscopy or colonoscopy

Symptoms

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unexplained bleeding
THE PROCEDURE

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

1.

Seven days before your procedure, stop taking iron supplements as directed by your doctor.

2.

Starting at noon the day before your procedure, begin an all-clear liquid diet until midnight. During this time, drink the bowel preparation liquids your doctor has prescribed.

3.

After midnight, nothing to eat or drink before your procedure.

4.

The morning of your procedure, you may take certain prescription medications — such as heart or blood pressure medications — with a small sip of water. Your doctor will advise which medications are safe to take.

During and After the Procedure

During the procedure, you will swallow a small, pill-sized capsule — no sedation required. The capsule sends images to a recording device you wear throughout the day. Two hours after swallowing the capsule, you may have clear liquids; four hours after, a light meal. Seven and a half hours after swallowing the capsule, you will return to our office to have the recording device removed. The capsule passes naturally on its own and does not need to be retrieved. You are welcome to drive yourself to and from the appointment.

Medications to Pause

  • Iron supplements (stop 7 days prior)
  • Any medications your doctor advises pausing before the procedure

What to Bring

  • Insurance card
  • Photo ID
  • List of current medications
  • Completed patient intake forms
TRUST YOUR GUT TO THE EXPERTS

Expert Care by Charlotte's Best Gastroenterologists

A capsule endoscopy is generally a simple procedure, but the diagnosis is only as good as the doctors reviewing the results. Our team of gastroenterologists has 28+ years of experience, and we pride ourselves on providing a patient-focused experience. We offer clear communication, expert care, and work to make every patient feel safe, seen, and heard.

Location and Scheduling

Capsule endoscopies are available at our Mooresville, Rea Farms, and Randolph Road offices. To schedule an appointment, call (704) 377-4009.

Questions about insurance? Our team can walk you through what’s covered, what isn’t, and what you can expect to pay out of pocket.

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FAQs

Capsule endoscopies carry an extremely small risk to patients, which is one of the reasons we offer the service. There is a small risk of the capsule getting stuck in the digestive tract, but our GI doctors will monitor for this and take action if necessary. However, complications are extremely rare.