Instructions after swallowing patency capsule
You have been asked to swallow a patency capsule before your capsule endoscopy. The reason for this is to make sure that the real capsule is not retained in your small bowel when you have your capsule endoscopy. If retention of the patency capsule does occur, the patency capsule will dissolve after a certain time and is excreted naturally. However this will also mean that your capsule endoscopy cannot be performed and an appointment with the referring consultant will be arranged to discuss alternative options for investigation.
Before your procedure
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From 2 pm the day before, please do not eat solids. You may have soups and plenty to drink. Please continue with any medication.
If you are an insulin or tablet controlled diabetic, you will need to contact the Diabetes Specialist Nurse at your GP surgery at least 48 hours before your procedure. She will advise you on the management of your diabetes prior to your appointment.
Day of test: ___________
Please do not eat or drink on the morning of the test. You may continue any medication (with a sip of water).
Time of capsule ingestion: ___________
For 2 hours after swallowing the capsule you must not eat or drink anything. You can have a drink at 2 hours after swallowing the capsule and a light meal at 4 hours after swallowing the capsule. (You may also take you medications at this time).
You may have a drink at: ___________
You may have a light meal at: ___________
After swallowing the capsule you may resume normal daily activities, complications are very uncommon but if you experience pain, nausea or distention please contact the Nurse Endoscopists on 01752 432163. You must not have an MRI scan during the test.
The capsule should be excreted from your body naturally into the toilet. You do not normally feel any pain or discomfort. The capsule starts to disintegrate after 30 hours and any of the outer shell left should pass.
Day after test: ___________
To confirm the patency capsule has passed through your small bowel into your colon an x-ray will needs to be performed 30 hours after swallowing, an appointment has been made for you for this.
Please attend Derriford Hospital, X-ray West, Level 06 at: ____________
It is essential you attend this appointment at the correct time, if you not attend or it is not performed at the correct time on the correct day, the capsule Endoscopy will not be booked.
Further testing:
Until it has been verified that the capsule has passed, further testing which includes any type of MRI should be avoided. If you have a MRI examination scheduled within the next 3 days, the MRI examination should be postponed.
Should you develop any unexplained abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, please contact us. If this occurs out of hours, contact your GP.
The Referring Physician will review your x-ray and if appropriate an appointment for a Capsule Endoscopy will arranged and an appointment sent to you.
