Call
Procedures

Capsule endoscopy (pill camera)

Capsule endoscopy uses a vitamin-sized camera that you swallow. As it travels through your digestive tract, it takes thousands of pictures of the small intestine, the part that a standard upper endoscopy or colonoscopy can't fully reach.

(813) 400-0543Send a message

Why it's done

  • GI bleeding or iron-deficiency anemia when upper endoscopy and colonoscopy didn't find a source
  • Suspected or known Crohn's disease of the small bowel
  • Small-bowel polyps or tumors
  • Some cases of celiac disease or unexplained small-bowel symptoms

How to prepare

You follow a clear liquid diet and may take a bowel prep the day before, then fast for several hours before swallowing the capsule. Your instructions will cover which medicines to hold, including iron.

What to expect

You wear a small recorder on a belt or patch and swallow the capsule with water. Most people go about their day, with clear liquids after about 2 hours and a light meal after about 4. The recording runs about 8 to 12 hours. The capsule passes naturally in a bowel movement and is not reused.

Risks

The main risk is the capsule getting stuck at a narrowing, which is uncommon. If a narrowing is suspected, for example in Crohn's disease, a dissolving test capsule may be used first. Capsule endoscopy is not done in people who have trouble swallowing pills or a known bowel blockage.

Common questions

Does it replace a colonoscopy?

No. It is designed for the small intestine.

Do I need to retrieve it?

No.

Questions about capsule endoscopy? Call (813) 400-0543 or send a message.

Dr. Brian Frank, MD
Written and reviewed by Brian Frank, MD
Board-certified gastroenterologist (ABIM). Last reviewed October 8, 2026.

This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.