Camera test
Capsule Endoscopy
A capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a tiny disposable camera in a pill that takes thousands of pictures as it passes through your digestive system, especially the small bowel.
Quick answer
Capsule Endoscopy: what it is and what the results mean
Capsule endoscopy uses a vitamin-sized capsule containing a tiny camera, light and transmitter. As it travels naturally through the gut, it wirelessly sends images to a recorder worn on a belt, allowing doctors to view areas that are hard to reach with standard scopes — mainly the small bowel.
- Why it is done: It is used to find the cause of unexplained bleeding or anaemia, to look for Crohn’s disease, small-bowel tumours and coeliac complications, when gastroscopy and colonoscopy have not found the cause.
- Understanding results: A specialist reviews the recorded images afterwards, which takes time, so results follow at a later appointment.
What it is
Capsule endoscopy uses a vitamin-sized capsule containing a tiny camera, light and transmitter. As it travels naturally through the gut, it wirelessly sends images to a recorder worn on a belt, allowing doctors to view areas that are hard to reach with standard scopes — mainly the small bowel.
Why it is done
It is used to find the cause of unexplained bleeding or anaemia, to look for Crohn’s disease, small-bowel tumours and coeliac complications, when gastroscopy and colonoscopy have not found the cause.
What to expect
You fast beforehand and may take bowel preparation. You swallow the capsule with water and wear a small recorder for about 8 hours, going about your day. The capsule is passed out naturally in a bowel motion and does not need to be retrieved.
Understanding the results
A specialist reviews the recorded images afterwards, which takes time, so results follow at a later appointment. Findings may include bleeding points, ulcers, inflammation or growths in the small bowel.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
The main risk is the capsule becoming stuck at a narrowed area (rare), which may need a procedure to remove it — a dummy “patency” capsule is sometimes used first. It cannot take biopsies or treat problems, so follow-up tests may be needed.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Capsule Endoscopy: frequently asked questions
Does the capsule need to be removed afterwards?
No. In almost all cases the capsule passes out naturally in a bowel movement within a day or two and can be flushed away; you do not usually need to retrieve it.
Can the capsule get stuck?
It is uncommon, but the capsule can lodge at a narrowed part of the bowel. If there is concern about narrowing, a dissolvable dummy capsule may be used first to check the path is clear.
Related tests
Other camera test investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — diagnostic guidance
- Relevant royal college / professional body
Building patient-education content for tests or procedures?
We create clear, accurate, referenced medical explainers and decision aids for teams.