Colonoscopy as We Know It May Be Coming to an End

With all the medical advantages, there are still a few procedures that are too invasive and scary to even think about. We’re not talking about going to the dentist. Colonoscopy is even worse.

As you may already know, the procedure involves inserting a tube in the bowel through the anus for visual diagnosis. It’s one of the most unpleasant and most uncomfortable medical procedures. Still, the reality is that there’s no replacement yet. It’s the only way to detect tiny polyps or diagnose colon cancer and other abnormalities. But, worry not – the painful and unpleasant procedure may be coming to an end.

Medical technology has jumped leaps and bounds in recent years. One possible alternative that may soon replace colonoscopy is a pill camera that takes pictures of the intestine and is later passed on with ease. The innovative technology pill has already been tested on patients in Brazil and has shown excellent results.

In Chicago, for example, Loyola Medicine is the first institution to try it on its patients. To start the procedure, the patient swallows a pill (vitamin pill size) which then travels through the gut. On its ‘adventure’, the camera-pill takes pictures (thousands of them) and sends them to a data recorder. Thanks to the variety of pictures, doctors can determine if there’s anything wrong with the colon.

As a bonus, the pill analyzes certain parts of the bowels like the small intestine classic colonoscopy can’t. It’s a win-win anyway you look at it.

Revolutionary Procedure

Doctors are hoping that the camera-pill can replace colonoscopy sooner rather than later. Before the procedure starts, the patient should avoid eating anything at least 12 hours before. He is also given laxatives and allowed to drink only water on the day of the procedure.

Before a patient swallows the pill, sensors and data pads are attached on his stomach or chest. Once the patient swallows the capsule, he must not drink anything for at least a couple of hours. He’s not allowed to eat nothing but a light snack for four. After full eight hours, the patient comes back to the hospital for analysis.

The sensors and belt are removed and the pictures analyzed. A disposable pill, the camera will leave the body the next time he goes for number two. During the procedure, patients are advised not to schedule MRI exams. The data received back from the camera pill is extensive and can detect a variety of problems including colorectal cancer.

While colonoscopy will still be used for detection of certain types of diseases, the alternative is a great step forward that could change the way doctors inspect the bowels. The camera takes pictures of the small intestine too, something that can’t be done with colonoscopy at the moment.

Still Issues to Overcome

While generally safe, the colonoscopy pill has a few risks as well. People with Crohn’s disease and other conditions that might cause narrowing of the digestive tract should avoid it as the pill might get stuck in their digestive tracts.

This is why a doctor must decide on the right procedure. If you believe that you might be suffering from an intestinal disease, a trip to the doctor is the first thing you need to do. They can then assess the risks and schedule you for a colonoscopy or an endoscopy capsule. The second is a great alternative and doctors and patients from all over the world are hoping that it will replace the painful procedure soon.