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PillCam / Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE)

Overview

PillCam or video capsule test lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). The GI nurse will give you a pill sized video camera for you to swallow. This camera has its own light source and takes pictures of your small intestine as it passes through. These pictures are sent to a small recording device you wear on your belt or waistband. You may have this test done if you have iron deficiency, anemia, diarrhea, severe cramping abdominal pain, or to locate bleeding in your small bowel. The PillCam usually leaves your body naturally through your stool in 12 to 48 hours. You may not notice that it has passed. This can be flushed away. This test is usually done in the clinic and does not require sedation and you can drive yourself if you so desire.