The non-invasive method that makes it possible to inspect the gastrointestinal tract is known as a capsule endoscopy. Using a disposable wireless gadget commonly referred to as a video capsule, capsule endoscopy investigates. This video capsule has a transmitter, a light source, a battery, and a camera.

A capsule endoscopy uses video capsules to capture images of the stomach, oesophagus, and small intestine. Medical experts utilise these images to identify gastrointestinal illnesses.. The video capsule's camera can take two photos per second.

Purpose of a capsule endoscopy

• Healthcare professionals can learn the reason of gastrointestinal bleeding in the small intestine with the aid of a capsule endoscopy.
• They may learn about inflammatory areas as a result.
• Tumors in the small intestine as well as other regions of the digestive tract can be seen using capsule endoscopy.
• The process is also employed to identify and monitor the immune system's reaction to gluten intake.
• To check for aberrant or enlarged veins in the esophagus, clinicians occasionally prefer to perform a capsule endoscopy.
• If the imaging test results are unclear, doctors may advise a capsule endoscopy to obtain more details.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders is steadily increasing

Energy homeostasis is significantly regulated by the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, In order to ensure the appropriate operation of the body, it is crucial that we take care of the gastrointestinal tract. Many people experience gastrointestinal illnesses as a result of parasites, bacteria or viruses that develop in your digestive system. As a result, a thorough inspection of the digestive system is necessary. With a capsule endoscope, this is possible.

Among the gastrointestinal conditions are:

Constipation

Having fewer than three bowel movements per week for a continuous three weeks or longer is constipation. The cause of constipation is difficult to identify, much like the cause of diarrhoea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Heartburn is the predominant symptom of GERD. Even bleeding and esophageal lining destruction can result from GERD. The problem may worsen and cause chest pain that is so severe that we would mistake it for a heart attack.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoidal veins are bulging veins in the lower rectum.. Around the anus, it may cause pain or itching. This happens frequently to pregnant women.

Gastroenteritis

Infections in the gut from bacteria and viruses are the main causes of gastroenteritis. Salmonella or E. coli can cause bacterial infection. Norovirus and rotavirus are examples of viral illnesses.

Advantages of capsule endoscopy

The advantages of capsule endoscopy over conventional endoscopic techniques are considerable. This method makes it easier to examine the small intestine than with a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy also has the advantages of little preparation and absence of anaesthetic.

In conventional endoscopic operations, a flexible tube that goes through the digestive tract is combined with a video camera. Although these procedures require anaesthesia, a capsule endoscopy is very simple.

Safety measures for capsule endoscopy

During the capsule endoscopy operations, the patient can resume doing the majority of everyday activities. But medical professionals advise patients to exercise cautious. After taking the video capsule, patients should ingest some clear fluids. Patient should consume a small meal, four hours after taking a pill.
Additionally, you shouldn't engage in strenuous physical activity while having the treatment. These include: leaping, running, heavy lifting, etc.
Whenever possible, stay away from physically hard jobs. Patients should refrain from entering electromagnetic sources like MRI scanners because the video capsule contains metal elements.

Growing demand for endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases

One or two days in the hospital are not necessary, and there are fewer issues with pre- and post-operative care. These are only a few advantages of endoscopic operations. This makes these operations relatively effective, safe, and cost-efficient. Additionally, health insurance companies in affluent nations including Canada, the US, Germany, and the UK reimburse claims for these procedures. The preference for endoscopic operations increases as a result of all these variables.
GERD, cancer, neurological disorders, and other gastrointestinal issues are all increasingly being treated and diagnosed via endoscopic techniques. Such disorders are becoming more prevalent, which increases the demand for endoscopic operations and fuels market expansion.

Summing Up

By ingesting video capsules, capsule endoscopy methods efficiently examine the GI system. It's common to refer to the capsule as a "pill-cam." This is due to the fact that it is the same size as a large vitamin tablet. Due to the fact that all of the diagnostic data is stored on board the capsule, the disease is investigated without the usage of belts, harnesses, cables, or leads. During the test, you are free to conduct yourself normally. Compared to standard endoscopic procedures, capsule endoscopy is superior. This is primarily because it makes it possible to image the small intestine without feeling any pain.