Video capsule endoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look for bleeding in your small intestine. It can also help find tumors or other problems. You swallow a pill-sized capsule that contains a small camera. The camera takes pictures of your small intestine as the capsule passes through your gastrointestinal tract. The pictures are saved to a recording device that you may wear around your waist. Your doctor will review the pictures after the test is done. This test lets your doctor view parts of the small intestine that can't be easily reached with other tests. The capsule will pass from your body in your stool. You won't feel anything as the capsule moves through.
Why It Is Done
Video capsule endoscopy has some advantages over endoscopy, which uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end (scope) that's passed through the mouth and throat into the stomach.
- It can show more of the inner lining or wall of the small intestine and may be better at finding the cause of any bleeding.
- It's painless, so you don't need to take pain medicine.
- You don't have to stay in the hospital.
Video capsule endoscopy is generally safe. Most people don't have problems with this test. But it should not be used if you are known to have intestinal obstructions or narrowing (strictures) or an abnormal opening between two organs or parts of the body (fistula).
How to Prepare
- Your doctor will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the test.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need to drink a special liquid or take a tablet to clean out your digestive system.
- Tell your doctor about any medicine that you take, any allergies you have, and any medical devices that you have in your body.
How It Is Done
For a video capsule endoscopy, you swallow a small capsule. You will likely have to fast for 10 to 12 hours before you swallow the capsule. You will get other instructions, depending on which type of capsule is being used for the test.
As the capsule passes through your gastrointestinal tract, pictures are recorded. The pictures in the recording device can be looked at during the test or later.
The capsule should pass out of your body in your stool in a day or two. You will get instructions on which type of capsule is being used for your test and if you need to collect it from your stool.
Risks
- Video capsule endoscopy is generally safe. In very rare cases, the video capsule could get stuck in the small intestine.
- Your doctor may also tell you to avoid having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test during this time until the capsule passes in your stool.
Credits
Current as of: February 27, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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