For Diagnosing Small Bowel Disorders
Gastrolab now offers Capsule Endoscopy services. The procedure uses cutting edge technology and is a safe and highly effective tool for detecting and diagnosing small bowel diseases and problems.
Indications
Capsule Endsocopy is a procedure using a camera inside a capsule (PillCam®) which the patient swallows, to diagnose;
- Unexplained GI bleeding
- Small Bowel Tumours
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcers of the Small Bowel caused by NSAIDS
- Iron Deficiency Anaemia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Coeliac Disease
Alternative to Barium X-ray
This is the only non-invasive way to examine the mucosa of the entire small bowel, and is much more effective at visualizing pathology within the small bowel than traditional X-ray with barium or CT scan with contrast.
How It Works
The camera transmits images to a data recorder worn by the patient over 8 hours. The patient can resume normal activities and then return the recorder after the 8-hour period. The physician uploads the images to special software that compiles the images into a video and pictures, which are carefully reviewed for signs of any abnormalities.
Benefits for Patients
Patients do not have to travel out of their local area for this procedure. They can remain in their community and go about their normal daily routine, while the exam is occurring. The prep required is minimal, and the patients may have clear liquids within 2 hours of ingesting the capsule, a light lunch within 4 hours and normal meals after the recorder and leads are removed.
Approved Indication for Medicare rebate
In order to qualify for a Medicare rebate for this service, a number of requirements need to be met as follows:
- The service is provided by a specialist physician with endoscopic training recognised by CCRTGE
- The patient is aged 10yrs or over; and
- Has recurrent or persistent bleeding; and
- Is anaemic or has active bleeding; and
- An upper GI endoscopy + colonoscopy has not identified the cause of bleeding
- Service is provided within 6 months of pan-endoscopy
Patient Information:
For Patient Information, including, information about what happens during the test and test preparation, please read the article:
