Capsule Biopsy of Small Intestine

In this procedure, which is the way of collecting sample from small intestine for microscopic examination, the patient swallows an olive seed-sized capsule which has a system designed to collect sample. Swallowing the capsule, which is connected to a catheter, does not disturb the patient except a potential mild nausea while swallowing. The patient SHOULD FAST (INCLUDING LIQUIDS) AT LEAST FOR 6 HOURS (4 HOURS FOR INFANTS) in order to prevent vomiting due to nausea, and not to prevent collecting sufficient sample. After the capsule is swallowed, the patient is laid on right laterally for a while (approximately 30 minutes) and the capsule is waited to pass to small intestine with the movements of the stomach. The sample is collected after the capsule is checked with X-ray whether it passed to small intestine. Sufficient sample can be collected from approximately 90% of patients, however it may be necessary to repeat the procedure for the left 10% of patients. Procedure does not cause any pain. The patient is discharged after being followed up for a few hours after the procedure.