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A capsule endoscope is a small swallowable camera used to take pictures inside the digestive tract. It is about the size of a large vitamin pill and contains a camera, light, battery, and transmitter. As it moves through the digestive system, it sends images to a recorder worn by the patient. It is mainly a diagnostic tool and does not treat tissue or remove growths.
read more about capsule endoscope ...A capsule endoscope is used to view areas of the digestive tract that are harder to reach with standard endoscopy. It is often used to examine the small intestine, especially when bleeding, inflammation, Crohn’s disease, or other abnormalities are suspected. It can also help when earlier tests did not explain digestive symptoms or blood loss. The clinician decides whether capsule endoscopy fits the patient’s symptoms and test history.
The patient swallows the capsule with water, and the capsule travels naturally through the digestive tract. The camera takes many images as it moves through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon depending on the device and test plan. The images are transmitted to a recorder or sensor system. After the test, the clinician reviews the images for abnormal findings.
The patient usually follows preparation instructions such as fasting, medication guidance, or bowel preparation. Sensors or a recorder are attached before the capsule is swallowed. The patient then goes about limited daily activity while the capsule records images. The capsule usually leaves the body in a bowel movement and is not reused.
Capsule endoscopy is noninvasive, but it is not suitable for every patient. The main concern is capsule retention, which means the capsule gets stuck in a narrowed or blocked area. It also cannot take biopsies, remove polyps, or treat bleeding. Abdominal pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, or no capsule passage when expected should be reported to the care team.
No. The capsule is designed for single use and passes out of the body in stool.
No. Swallowing the capsule is usually painless, though some patients may find the pill size uncomfortable.
No. It takes images only. If a biopsy or treatment is needed, the clinician may recommend standard endoscopy, enteroscopy, colonoscopy, or another procedure.
The care team may monitor it, use medication or endoscopic retrieval, or recommend surgery in rare cases. The plan depends on where the capsule is retained and the patient’s condition.
Capsule Endoscopy: Prep, Procedure, What It Can Diagnose. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16829-capsule-endoscopy. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Capsule Endoscopy Camera. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/capsule-endoscopy/about/pac-20393366. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Diagnosis of GI Bleeding. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastrointestinal-bleeding/diagnosis. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/diagnosis. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Capsule Endoscopy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482306/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.