Chatswood EndoscopyGastroenterology
North Shore Book an appointment

Capsule endoscopy

A tiny camera capsule you simply swallow photographs the small bowel — the long stretch of gut beyond the reach of standard scopes.

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy uses a tiny, disposable camera the size of a large vitamin capsule that you swallow with water. As it travels naturally through your digestive system, it takes thousands of photographs of the lining of your small bowel and transmits them to a small recorder you wear.

The small bowel is several metres long and sits beyond the reach of a standard gastroscope or colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy lets your specialist see this area clearly, without sedation or discomfort.

Why it might be recommended

Your GP or specialist may recommend capsule endoscopy to investigate:

  • Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding not explained by other tests
  • Iron-deficiency anaemia where the cause hasn't been found
  • Suspected Crohn's disease or other small-bowel disease
  • Monitoring of known small-bowel conditions

A referral is required

You'll need a current referral from your GP before booking. This lets us tailor your care and ensures you can claim your Medicare rebate.

How it works

Capsule endoscopy is simple and painless — there's no scope and no sedation. On the day you'll:

  1. Swallow the capsule

    You swallow the small camera capsule with a little water, just like taking a tablet.

  2. Wear the recorder

    You wear a sensor belt or recorder for about 8 hours while the capsule photographs your small bowel and sends the images across to it.

  3. Let it pass naturally

    The capsule travels through your gut on its own and is passed naturally in a bowel motion — you won't notice it happen.

Fasting and light bowel prep

A clear view depends on an empty gut. You'll fast beforehand and may be asked to take a light bowel preparation the day before. Download the patient guide below and call us if anything is unclear.

On the day

Once you've swallowed the capsule and the recorder is fitted, you can leave and resume normal light activity — you don't need to stay with us. Avoid strenuous exercise and follow the eating and drinking times you've been given.

At the end of the recording period you return the recorder to us so the images can be downloaded for your specialist to review.

Afterwards

  • The capsule is passed naturally in a bowel motion, usually within a day or two — there's nothing you need to retrieve
  • Your specialist reviews the thousands of images the capsule captured
  • Your results are discussed with you and a full report is sent to your GP
  • Results are usually available within about a week
Gastroscopy Colonoscopy Inflammatory bowel disease

Capsule endoscopy questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The capsule is smooth, disposable and about the size of a large vitamin tablet, and it's a well-established, low-risk procedure. Your specialist will check beforehand that it's suitable for you.
No. Once you've swallowed it, you won't feel the capsule as it travels through your digestive system, and you won't notice when it passes.
In the great majority of people the capsule passes naturally within a day or two. Very rarely it can be held up, and your specialist will discuss the small risk and how it's managed before you book. Medicare rebates apply with a valid referral — see our fees & rebates information for costs.

Book capsule endoscopy

Speak with our friendly reception team — they'll guide you through preparation, costs and everything you need to know.

Call (02) 8964 8619

GP referral required · Medicare rebates available

Book an appointment — (02) 8964 8619