Atlanta Gastroeneterology Specialists | Dr. Bruce A. Salzberg | Gastroenterologist

Contact us: 678-957-0057

Main Office:
4395 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 130
Suwanee, GA 30024

John's
Creek
St. Joseph's
Atlanta
North
Fulton
Fast Access Colonoscopy Appointment Request

Capsule Endoscopy Preparation

Your doctor has determined that you should have a Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy. In order for your physician to get the most accurate information from this test, you will need to follow the directions listed below.

  • Stop any iron tablets or vitamins containing iron 4 days before your study.
  • Purchase one 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate (Lemon-lime or Orange flavor) NO RED.
  • ON THE DAY BEFORE the Endoscopy, NO SOLID FOOD AFTER 12 NOON. YOU MAY ONLY HAVE CLEAR LIQUIDS (water, clear broth, Jell-O (NO RED), coffee/tea (NO MILK), ginger ale, iced tea, etc.) AT 7 PM drink the Magnesium Citrate.
  • STOP ALL LIQUIDS BY 10PM.

Day of Procedure

  • At your physician's office, a sensor array will be applied to your abdomen with adhesive pads and will be connected to a Data Recorder which is worn on a belt around your waist. You will then be instructed to ingest the M2A Capsule.
  • After ingesting the Capsule, do not eat or drink for 2 hours. After 2 hours you may drink water. After 4 hours you may have a light snack. After completion of the study, you may return to a normal diet.
  • Contact your physician's office immediately if you have any abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting anytime after ingesting the M2A capsule.
  • After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near any source of powerful electromagnetic field such as one created near an MRI device or amateur (ham) radio. Occasionally, some images may be lost due to radio interference. On rare occasions, this may result in the need to repeat the procedure.
  • The Capsule Endoscopy will last 8 hours. During the Capsule Endoscopy try to avoid any strenuous physical activity. Do not bend or stoop during the procedure. In addition, you should not remove the belt at any time during this period.
  • Every 15 minutes, you will need to verify that the small green /blue light on the top of the recorder is still blinking. If for some reason it stops, please record the time and contact the physician's office.
  • You will also need to record the time and nature of any events such as eating, drinking and unusual sensations. Return these notes to your physician's office at the time you return the equipment.
  • At the end of 8 hours, the Data Recorder, Belt and Sensor Array will be removed at your physician's office.
  • The Data Recorder holds the images of your examination. Handle the Data Recorder, Belt, Sensor Array and Recorder Battery Pack carefully. Do not expose them to shock, vibration or direct sunlight, which may result in the loss of information.
  • The capsule is disposable and will be excreted naturally in your bowel movement. Final results of the endoscopy will be available in fourteen days.

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