Please note that for any urgent or life-threatening conditions, we always recommend that you should call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. We are usually able to provide face to face or remote appointments with our GP’s within 24 hours. Please contact 01442 331 900 to book an appointment.
Diagnostic examination of the gastrointestinal tract using an ingestible pill-size capsule
Capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves the examination of the gastrointestinal tract using an ingestible pill-size capsule. The capsule is equipped with a light source, batteries, a radio transmitter, and antenna and slowly passes through the body once swallowed.
A capsule endoscopy is often advised when experiencing any of the following symptoms:
A capsule endoscopy can also be used to investigate new and/or monitor existing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract such as:
A nurse will secure a data recorder to a belt around your abdomen. This data recorder will need to be worn for the duration of the process. You will then be required to swallow the PillCam™ capsule with water. The capsule will move naturally through the digestive tract while you carry out your regular daily activities.
After it is swallowed, the PillCam will transmit approximately 50,000 images over the course of an 8-hour period (about 2 images per second) to the data recorder fixed around the waist. Approximately 8 hours later, you will be required to return the data recorder to the hospital so that the images can be downloaded to a computer. The consultant is then able to evaluate the images and make a diagnosis.
The disposable capsule makes its way through the rest of the gastrointestinal tract and is then passed naturally and painlessly from the body during a bowel movement, usually within 24 hours.
Guide price: £1,430
**Guide prices may vary following consultation
| What’s included? | Hospital Only Fixed Price Package |
| Consultant fees | ✓ |
| Anaesthetist fees | X |
| Initial consultation | X |
| Standard pre-admission assessments | ✓ |
| Accommodation | ✓ |
| Meals | ✓ |
| Nursing | ✓ |
| Theatre charges | ✓ |
| Histology | ✓ |
| Drugs and dressings | ✓ |
| Standard prosthesis charges | ✓ |
| Take-home medications | ✓ |
| Post-op consultation | X |
Expected length of stay: Day case procedure
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