Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy uses a tiny, swallowable camera to capture detailed images of your small intestine. The preparation is simple, and the procedure itself requires no sedation.
No Sedation Required
You can drive yourself to and from the appointment
Pill-Sized Camera
Simply swallow with water to begin the imaging
Normal Daily Activities
Go about your day while the recorder captures images
What Is a Capsule Endoscopy?
Your small intestine is roughly 20 feet long and sits between your stomach and colon. Standard scopes cannot reach most of it. A capsule endoscopy solves that problem.
You swallow a pill-sized camera that travels naturally through your digestive tract, taking thousands of high-resolution images along the way. These images transmit wirelessly to a small recorder you wear on a belt. Dr. Maher reviews the complete set of images to identify bleeding, polyps, Crohn's disease, tumors, or other abnormalities that would otherwise go undetected.
No sedation is required. Most patients go about their normal day during the test.
Your Step-by-Step Prep Timeline
7 Days Before Your Procedure
Contact our office if you take iron supplements, blood thinners, diabetes medications, or GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Some medications may need to be adjusted before the exam. Do not stop any medication without speaking to us first.
If you have a known history of strictures (narrowing) in your digestive tract, let our office know. In some cases, a dissolvable test capsule is given first to confirm the camera can pass safely.
1 Day Before Your Procedure
Eat a light breakfast and lunch. After lunch, switch to a clear liquid diet for the rest of the day.
Clear Liquids Include:
Water, clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice, plain coffee or tea (no cream), sports drinks, and gelatin. Avoid anything red or purple.
Do not eat any solid food after your midday meal.
The Evening Before
After 10:00 PM the night before, do not eat or drink anything.
The Morning of Your Procedure
Arrive at our office at your scheduled time with an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink anything before arriving. You may take essential morning medications with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your appointment, but confirm with our office which medications are approved.
Wear a two-piece outfit. You will need to wear a sensor belt around your waist for the duration of the test. Avoid dresses or one-piece clothing.
What Happens During the Procedure
Sensor Belt Setup
At our office, our team will place a small sensor belt and recording device around your waist. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Swallow the Capsule
You will swallow the capsule with a small amount of water. The capsule is about the size of a large vitamin pill and goes down easily for most patients.
Free to Leave
Once swallowed, the camera begins capturing images immediately. There is no pain or discomfort. You are free to leave our office and carry on with your day.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Day
During the first 2 hours
Do not eat or drink. Move around normally. Light walking can help the capsule travel through your digestive tract.
After 2 hours
You may begin drinking clear liquids to stay hydrated.
After 4 hours
You may eat a light snack or small meal.
Throughout the day
Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or bending at the waist repeatedly. Stay away from MRI machines and strong magnetic fields while wearing the recorder. Do not disconnect or remove the sensor belt or recorder until instructed.
At the end of the recording period (typically 8 to 12 hours), return to our office or remove the sensor belt at home following the instructions provided. The capsule will pass naturally in your stool, usually within 24 to 72 hours. You do not need to retrieve it.
Checklist for Procedure Day
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. The office visit to swallow the capsule and set up the recorder takes about 30 minutes. You will then go about your day.
No driver is required. Capsule endoscopy does not involve sedation. You may drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Bring With You:
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- List of all current medications
- Comfortable two-piece clothing — no dresses or jumpsuits
After Your Capsule Endoscopy
Dr. Maher personally reviews every image captured by the capsule. Because the camera takes thousands of photos over several hours, the review process is thorough and takes time. You can expect to hear from our office with results within a few business days.
What is normal:
- You will not feel the capsule moving through your system
- The capsule passes naturally in your stool, typically within 24 to 72 hours
- No recovery time is needed — you can resume normal activities immediately
If the capsule has not passed within two weeks, contact our office. In rare cases, a capsule may become lodged, particularly in patients with known strictures. This is uncommon but important to monitor.
When to Contact Our Office
Call us right away at (346) 637-4874 if you experience any of the following after swallowing the capsule. If you cannot reach our office and your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room.
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping that worsens
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or chest discomfort after swallowing the capsule
- The capsule has not passed in your stool within two weeks
Capsule Endoscopy FAQs
Clear answers to ensure you are ready for your procedure.
Does swallowing the capsule hurt?
Can I go to work during the test?
How long does the test last?
What if the capsule gets stuck?
Will I need sedation?
Why did Dr. Maher recommend a capsule endoscopy instead of a regular endoscopy or colonoscopy?
Questions About Your Preparation?
If you have any concerns about swallowing the capsule, wearing the recorder, or what to eat before your test, call our office. We will make sure you feel confident and prepared.
Office Hours
Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location
19255 Park Row #104
Houston, TX 77084