For those of us that have had the discomfort of having a colonoscopy or endoscopy and wish there were an easier way, this is good news. Although Capsule Endoscopy can't yet replace a colonoscopy it would certainly appear to be headed in that direction. With this latest development Blue Cross Blue Shield now approve the use of this procedure when conventional methods have not been effective.
Capsule Endoscopy is a relativly new procedure that enables a doctor to examine the three portions (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) of the small intestine. The patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized video capsule as an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source. While the video capsule travels through the patient's body, images are sent to a datarecorder worn on a waistbelt. Afterwards the doctor may view the images on a video monitor. Read More...