Overview
A capsule endoscope is a tiny camera (about 11 mm × 26 mm) that you swallow with water. It travels through your digestive tract while taking 2-6 photos per second. You wear a sensor belt that records the images. After 8 hours, the capsule passes naturally in your stool.
Who needs it
Iron-deficiency anemia where upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are normal
Suspected Crohn's disease in the small bowel
Suspected small bowel tumors or polyps
Refractory celiac disease
Risks
Capsule retention: <1% (more in Crohn's with strictures) — usually passes spontaneously, occasionally needs endoscopic or surgical retrieval
Difficulty swallowing the capsule — endoscopic placement is an option
No risk of bleeding, perforation, or sedation reaction (no sedation used)
Cannot biopsy or treat — purely diagnostic
Before the procedure
Clear liquid diet the day before; nothing to eat for 12 hours.
Some doctors recommend a bowel prep similar to colonoscopy — your team will tell you.
Stop iron tablets 1 week before — they obscure imaging.
Discuss with team if you have suspected obstruction, swallowing problems, or implanted electrical devices.
Wear loose clothing — you'll have a sensor belt under it.
When to See a Doctor
Call your doctor or go to emergency if after the procedure you have severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, black stools or fainting.
Why it is done
Mainly to investigate the small intestine (where standard endoscopy and colonoscopy can't reach). Common indications: obscure GI bleeding (anemia or intermittent bleeding without source on standard tests), small bowel Crohn's disease assessment, suspected small bowel tumors, celiac complications.
During the procedure
You arrive at the endoscopy unit, swallow the capsule with water, and the team fits a recording belt around your waist. You go home and continue with your day — light walking helps the capsule progress. After 2 hours you can drink clear fluids; after 4 hours light snack. After 8 hours you return to the unit to remove the recorder. The capsule passes naturally in your stool within days — you usually don't notice it.
After the procedure
You can resume normal activity immediately. The capsule passes in 1-3 days — usually unnoticed. Tell your doctor if you don't pass it within 2 weeks (rare; could indicate retention). The doctor reviews the recording — takes 1-2 hours of expert reviewing — and reports findings within 1-2 weeks.
When you get the results
Reading takes 1-2 hours of expert time. Reports usually within 1-2 weeks.
Alternatives
Push enteroscopy (specialized scope reaches part of jejunum). Double-balloon enteroscopy reaches further but is invasive. CT or MR enterography sees structural problems but not subtle mucosal lesions.
Questions to ask your doctor
• What if you don't see anything — what's next?
• What if I have a stricture or stoma?
• When will the capsule pass?
Source and review
This guide comes from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) patient library, prepared by the SGA Patient Education Panel. Last reviewed: 2026-04-24. It is for education and does not replace your doctor's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Why is Capsule Endoscopy done?
What are the risks of Capsule Endoscopy?
How do I prepare for Capsule Endoscopy?
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