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Your physician has determined that as part of your medical evaluation you should undergo an examination known as Capsule Endoscopy. This procedure involves ingesting a small M2A® camera capsule (the size of a large vitamin pill) that will take pictures of the small intestine as it passes naturally through your digestive system. The images are transmitted from sensors that are placed on your abdomen to a data recorder that saves all the images. The walk-man like data recorder is located on a belt that is worn around your waist. Once you have been outfitted with the sensors, data recorder and recorder harness and have ingested the camera capsule, you can return to work or home. After 8 hours, you will return to University MRI to have the equipment removed.
If you are diabetic, please consult with your physician for medication dosage adjustments the day of the exam. If you are pregnant, consult with your physician prior to having this exam.
The M2A® Capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. In order for your physician to get the most accurate information from this examination, you will need to follow the instructions below:
The Day before Capsule Endoscopy
- Eat a very light breakfast and very light lunch the day prior to your procedure. You may take only clear liquids for the remainder of the day. Take medications as necessary, with sips of water only. Check with your physician regarding any medication dosage changes.
Examination Day
- Do not take any medication beginning 2 hours before undergoing Capsule Endoscopy.
- Arrive at University MRI at the prescribed time for your Capsule Endoscopy dressed in loose fitting, two-piece clothing. Buttoned down shirts are recommended.
- Prior to the exam, you will have a pre-procedure interview. During this interview you will be informed that Capsule Endoscopy is associated with a small chance of intestinal obstruction. You will be checked-in and asked to give your informed consent.
- The sensors are placed with adhesive pads that may make it necessary to shave the abdomen area 6 inches (15 centimeters) above and below the navel. If this is necessary, it can be done at the time of sensor placement. The sensors will be connected to the data recorder that you will wear in a belt around your waist. After the sensors are attached, you will be instructed to ingest the M2A capsule.
- After Ingesting the M2A® Capsule, do not eat or drink for at least 2 hours. Any additional medications may be taken at this time with sips of water. After 4 hours you may have a light snack. After the examination is completed, you may return to your normal diet.
- Contact University MRI immediately at 561-362-9191, ext. 1035 if you suffer from any abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting during the time of the examination.
- After ingesting the M2A camera capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near an MRI device or amateur (ham) radio.
- Occasionally, some images may be lost due to radio interference (e.g. from amateur radio transmitter, MRI, etc.). On rare occasions this may result in the need to repeat the Capsule Endoscopy examination. In this case, you may be advised to stay within the premises of the center during the Capsule Endoscopy examination to prevent this problem from recurring.
- The Capsule Endoscopy examination lasts approximately 8 hours. Do not disconnect the equipment or remove the belt at any time during this period. Since the data recorder is actually a small computer, it should be treated with utmost care and protection. Avoid sudden movement, water and banging of the data recorder.
- Throughout the examination, you will need to verify every 15 minutes that the small light on top of the DataRecorder is blinking twice per second. If, for some reason it stops blinking at this rate, record the time and call University MRI at 561-362-9191, ext. 1035. You should also record the time and nature of any event such as eating, drinking, your activity and unusual sensations.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activity especially if it involves sweating and avoid bending or stooping during the exam.
After Completing Capsule Endoscopy
- You will be instructed when to return to University MRI to have the equipment removed. Do not remove the equipment yourself.
- The data recorder stores the images of your examination. Handle carefully. Do not expose the data recorder to shock, water, vibration or direct sunlight, which may result in loss of information. Return all of the equipment to University MRI at your scheduled return time.
- Undergoing an MRI while the capsule is inside your body may result in serious damage to your intestinal tract or abdominal cavity. If you did not positively verify the excretion of the M2A® Capsule from your body, you should contact your physician for evaluation and possible abdominal X-ray before undergoing an MRI examination.
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