PillCam® Capsule Endoscopy

El Paso Gastroenterologist

The science of gastroenterology continues to advance at an impressive rate, introducing patients to newer and better techniques and technology each year. One of the latest and most-widely-used breakthroughs in the field comes in the form of the PillCam® SB for use in capsule endoscopy. When a patient swallows the PillCam®, which is not much larger than the average pill, as the name suggests, gastroenterologists are afforded a unique inside-look at their digestive tract, especially the small bowel that is notoriously difficult to analyze otherwise.

The PillCam® capsule endoscopy technique is just one of the many ways our El Paso gastroenterologists can help you here at Gastrocare of El Paso. Led by Dr. Ikenna Egbuna, or Ike for short, we are proud to offer specialized diagnostic tools and advanced treatments to patients suffering from adverse digestive tract conditions. Contact us today for more information.

What Does the PillCam® Do?

In many ways, the most difficult portion of a gastroenterology treatment or procedure is the beginning when the condition or symptoms need to be identified and diagnosed. Located the source of the problem can be a challenge if the ailment is not developed or the tools of the gastroenterologist are inadequate. At Gastrocare of El Paso, we have the technology and the skills required to efficiently and safely identify your digestive tract abnormality.

When you swallow the PillCam®, we will be able to monitor inside your small bowel for:

• Bleeding
• Lesions
• Tumors
• Ulcers

The PillCam® does not require sedation or surgery of any kind, so patients do not have to worry about complicated procedures. A wireless transmitter built into the PillCam® provides real-time feedback of what it is viewing to our medical staff for analysis and review, and it does so with more detail and coverage than other similar model capsule endoscopy devices on the market. You need not worry about extraction after the procedure is complete – the PillCam® is designed to pass naturally through your digestive tract.

What are the Risks of Using the PillCam®?

One of the many reasons we love the PillCam® here at Gastrocare of El Paso is that it has incredibly low risks of complication. Not even 2% of users experience capsule retention, or when the PillCam® remains inside their digestive tract for more than two weeks; when they do, it can clear up on its own and is typically caused by tumors, growths, or other issues that would have caused retention of their fecal matter anyway. There is also a low chance of your body’s tissues having a slight allergic reaction to the silicone used in the body of the PillCam®. For a full list of potential complications and how they can be addressed, feel free to contact us today.

Have More Questions? We Have All the Answers

The concept of swallowing a small medical device that takes photographs of the inner workings of your digestive tract can seem a little strange to some people. We assure you that this breakthrough in gastroenterology technology is as useful as it is safe. You should not hesitate to find out more if you think that this procedure may be to your benefit. All you have to do is schedule an appointment with our friendly El Paso gastroenterologists today to learn more.