Video Capsule Endoscopy

Video capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small disposable capsule, about the size of a large vitamin tablet, with a drink of water that contains a solution to clear any bubbles in the gut. The capsule has a tiny camera, light, battery, and transmitter inside. As it naturally moves through your small intestine, it takes pictures of your gut.

You will wear a belt with sensors connected to a data recorder, which stores the images sent from the capsule. The test usually begins in the morning, and you’ll wear the equipment for the rest of the day. During this time, you can leave the clinic and go about your normal activities, although the equipment will be invisible. 

You can start drinking clear fluids 2 hours after swallowing the capsule and eat a light lunch after 4 hours. After around 10 hours, you can remove the equipment at home before returning it to Welbeck, where the images will be downloaded and reviewed by one of our expert consultant gastroenterologists. 

The capsule is disposable and will pass naturally in your stool, usually without you noticing. If you do see it, simply flush it away – there is no need to return it. 

There are very few situations in which this test cannot be done. However, if you think you may be pregnant, or if you have an implanted cardiac device (not including pacemakers), please let us know as soon as possible, as the procedure shouldn't go ahead in these cases.

A video capsule endoscopy is very safe, and complications are rare. Your consultant will explain any risks before the procedure.

Sometimes, you may be asked to swallow a ‘dummy’ or ‘patency’ capsule first. This is used to check that the real capsule can move safely through your small intestine. If this applies to you, we will provide more information in advance. 

If your bowel is not clean enough from the dietary preparation, the pictures may not be clear, and the test might need to be repeated. In some cases, the capsule may move slowly and not capture the whole small bowel during the day. If this happens, we will arrange an X-ray within 2 weeks to check whether the capsule has passed, which it likely will have. 

On rare occasions, the capsule can get stuck in the gut. Often, it passes later with the help of medication, but in a small number of cases, it may need to be removed with an endoscope. 

Your consultant will provide you with any preparation requirements a week or so before the procedure takes place. 

For the camera to capture clear images, the bowel needs to be empty and clean. This requires a special bowel preparation and some dietary changes the day before your test. Diarrhoea is expected after taking the preparation, so plan to stay near a toilet.

Other preparation includes:

One week before the test:

• stop taking iron supplements, as they can stain the bowel lining and affect image quality

• stop talking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as these may cause inflammation or ulcers in the small bowel

3 days before the test:

• stop taking medications that slow down the bowel

• stop taking bulk-forming laxatives such as bran, ispaghula husk, methylcellulose, or sterculia

The day before your capsule endoscopy:

• eat a light, plain breakfast, such as eggs on white toast

• have a light lunch before 1pm, then avoid solid food for the rest of the day

• drink only clear fluids in the afternoon, aiming for at least 1 litre (4 to 5 glasses). Suitable options include water, squash, clear strained soup, or clear stock. Tea or coffee without milk is allowed. Do not drink alcohol

• at around 5pm, prepare 1 litre of MOVIPREP (mix sachet A and sachet B with 1 litre of water) and drink it over 1 to 2 hours – this will be provided 

• drink an additional 500ml of clear fluid later in the evening

On the day of your appointment:

• essential medications can be taken with water before 6am

• non-essential medicines can be taken later once you are allowed a light snack after swallowing the capsule – you’ll be given full instructions

• you may drink water up to 2 hours before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything else until advised at your appointment. This includes chewing gum, sweets, or mints

• please wear a loose-fitting top that buttons or zips at the front, so the equipment can be fitted comfortably

After your video capsule endoscopy, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth recovery and an accurate result:

• continue normal activities while wearing the recorder

• drink clear fluids after 2 hours

• eat a light meal after 4 hours

• avoid heavy exercise during the test

• remove the belt/recorder after 8 to 10 hours and return it

• pass the capsule naturally in your stool

• call your consultant if you have tummy pain, cramps, or vomiting.

Please contact our Endoscopy centre for pricing information. 

At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof. 

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a video capsule endoscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a consultant gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.