Colon capsule endoscopy
Information for patients from the Alternative Pathways Unit
You have been referred to the Alternative Pathways Unit for a colon capsule endoscopy. This leaflet will explain the following.
Why you need a colon capsule endoscopy
What a colon capsule endoscopy is
What will happen during your procedure
If you have any questions or wish to reschedule your appointment, please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit.
We need your formal consent before we can proceed with this procedure. This leaflet will help you understand the procedure, so you can decide whether you want to continue with a colon capsule endoscopy. On the day of your procedure, we will ask you to sign a consent form confirming your agreement. Please read this information carefully before making your decision.
What is a colon capsule endoscopy?
This test is an accurate way of looking at the lining of the colon (large bowel). The patient swallows a small capsule, slightly bigger that a large vitamin tablet.
The capsule will pass naturally through the digestive tract.
The capsule passes through the large bowel, taking pictures.
During the test the patient wears a comfortable sensor belt around their abdomen (stomach). The belt can be adjusted and secured with Velcro straps.
The sensor belt is attached to a small data recorder box, which is kept in a shoulder bag.
The capsule transmits the images to a data recorder.
Why do I need a capsule endoscopy?
There are many reasons why you may need a colon capsule endoscopy.
You have symptoms, such as:
a change in your bowel habit
blood in your stool (poo)
an earlier test (FIT test) on your faeces has revealed blood
To help your doctor find polyps, which can become colon cancer.
You were unable to have a colonoscopy.
A colon capsule endoscopy will allow us to get a better look at your large bowel. This will help us find out what is causing your current symptoms and discuss your treatment options.
What will happen at my pre-assessment appointment?
You should have a telephone pre-assessment appointment booked. A nurse will phone you, and the appointment will last up to 30 minutes.
If you have any hearing issues and wish someone else to answer the questions for you, please tell the nurse at the beginning of your appointment.
The nurse will be happy to answer any questions or worries you may have about your colon capsule endoscopy.
Please have a list of all your prescribed medications ready for this appointment.
If you have diabetes, please let the nurse know to make sure that we can arrange the most suitable appointment for you.
Please let the nurse know if you have any existing medical conditions.
How do I prepare for the colon capsule endoscopy?
For this test to be successful, your stomach and bowel must be totally empty.
The days before your capsule endoscopy
We will give you a laxative solution to drink, which will empty your colon and prepare your bowel. You must drink this solution. An empty colon allows the camera to capture clear images for an accurate diagnosis. Any remaining waste (poo) can make it difficult for your doctor to properly examine your colon.
We will give you instructions on how to take your bowel preparation. Please follow the preparation instructions carefully to make sure the procedure is successful.
Please follow a low fibre diet for 3 days before your test.
Stop eating 24 hours before your procedure.
You can still have clear liquids for up to 2 hours before your procedure. Examples of clear fluids are:
water
apple or grape juice
tea or coffee without milk
clear fizzy drinks, such as Sprite or Lucozade
clear jelly
ice lollies (not red)
Only take essential medication with a small amount of water. Please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit if you are unsure.
Do not smoke, vape, or chew gum for 24 hours before your arrival time.
What will happen when I arrive at hospital?
The day of your colon capsule endoscopy
Do not eat or drink anything, except necessary medications. If you take medications, take them at least 2 hours before your arrival time, with a small amount of water
When you arrive at the hospital, please go to the Outpatients reception. A receptionist will greet you and tell the nurse you have arrived.
The nurse will review the information you gave during your telephone pre-assessment appointment. They will ask you to sign the consent form you were sent in the post. If you have any questions, please ask.
Your nurse will attach the belt to your abdomen. They will also fit you with a shoulder bag to carry the data recorder. On the day of your procedure, dress in loose-fitting clothing. Ideally two-piece clothing, as this makes it easier when attaching the sensor belt.
You will then swallow the capsule, with water mixed with medication called Infacol. The medication prevents air bubbles.
Why do I need to sign a consent form?
All patients must give permission before they receive any type of medical treatment, test, or examination. Consent is usually given when you sign the consent form before your treatment, but we may ask you to give it verbally.
You must give your consent voluntarily.
The hospital must give you all the information you need to make a decision about your treatment. This is so you can give us informed consent. If you have not been given this information, or you have but you still have questions, please speak to a member of staff.
You must be capable of giving consent. This means that you understand the information given to you and can make an informed decision.
When we ask you to give consent, please use this time to ask any questions you may still have. For more information, please go to the NHS Consent for Treatment web page. Remember, you can withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
[Web site last accessed 26 August 2026]
What happens after I swallow the capsule?
After swallowing the capsule
When you get home, you will need to take extra laxatives and possibly a suppository (called boosters). These help the capsule move through the bowels, and ensure sufficient battery life for the examination of your colon.
The recorder will give you alerts, and the nurse will give instructions on what to take and when on the day of your procedure. You must make sure you are near a toilet at all times.Do not smoke, vape, or chew gum until we remove the data recorder following your procedure.
Please be very careful with the data recorder.
Do not get it wet.
Do not knock it and avoid sudden movements.
Do not disconnect the data recorder from the belt or take off the data recorder belt.
Avoid strenuous activity. Do not bend or stoop, as this may interfere with the transmission of images from the capsule to the data recorder.
If the data recorder disconnects from the sensor belt, do not reconnect it. Please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit immediately.
We will ask you to sign an “Equipment Record Form” when you leave the department wearing the equipment. This reminds you to take responsibility for the medical equipment during the day. When you return the equipment you will need to sign the form again.
Do not go near electromagnetic fields until you have passed the capsule in your stools (poo). This includes MRI scanners or radio transmitters, and is due to metal parts in the capsule. If you have an MRI scan appointment you may need to postpone this.
Check every 30 minutes that the light on top of the data recorder is blinking twice per second. If it is not blinking at this rate, record the time on your “Events Form” and contact the Alternative Pathways Unit.
Your nurse will give you a “Capsule Endoscopy Events Form”. Please use this form to record the time that you eat, drink, or feel anything unusual during your procedure. If you notice any changes in the data recorder, please note this as well. This can include the blinking light stopping flashing, or changes in the colour or sounds heard.
The data recorder will provide you with alerts and prompts as the procedure continues. When you receive an alert on the recorder, please follow the instructions.
You can drive as soon as you leave the hospital.
What will happen at the end of my procedure?
You will return to Buckland Hospital Alternative Pathways Unit between 8.30am and 10am the next morning. We will remove the belt and data recorder. The time you need to arrive at the unit will be agreed with the nurse before you go home after swallowing the capsule.
Once you receive the alert to tell you the test is complete, you can eat and drink as normal.
The capsule is normally passed in your stools (poo) after all the boosters. It can flush safely down the toilet.
What about my medication?
Please have a list of all medication(s) ready for your telephone pre-assessment appointment.
If you take any of the following medication, stop taking them 1 week before your procedure.
Oral iron tablets.
Codeine or codeine-containing painkillers, such as Co-Codamol and Dihydrocodeine. Use paracetamol-based painkillers instead. Your GP will be able to suggest alternatives if you have difficulty.
Mounjaro or other GLP-1 agonists weekly injections (weight loss injections). Please also stay on a liquid diet for 24 hours before your procedure.
If you have diabetes, please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit.
Are there any risks or complications with having a colon capsule endoscopy?
Complications directly related to the capsule itself are uncommon. Potential risks linked with the colon capsule include:
capsule retention (the capsule gets stuck)
aspiration of the capsule (the capsule enters the airway and lungs by mistake)
mucosal injury or bleeding
Very rarely, patients experience nausea (feeling sick) and abdominal cramps.
If you have any of these complications, medical, endoscopic, or surgical treatment may be needed.
When / how will I get my results?
The images will be uploaded onto the recording system and read by the endoscopist in the next few days. The endoscopist will store the images confidentially, as part of your medical records.
As soon as the images are read, we aim to send the report to your GP and referring consultant within 2 weeks. The nursing team will contact you within a 2 week timeframe about your results.
Contact details
If you have any questions, or would like more information about your colon capsule endoscopy, please contact the Alternative Pathways Unit.
Alternative Pathways Unit
Telephone: 01304 222558 (between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday)
Ask 3 Questions
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What is good and bad about each choice?
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Your healthcare team needs you to tell them what is important to you. It’s all about shared decision making.
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