Video Capsule provides an easy and painless way to image the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, from top to bottom.

Patients simply swallow the capsule with a sip of water.

Cameras at either end of the capsule will broadcast images to your doctor.

Miniature electronics and battery technology have been used to shrink a TV studio into the size of a capsule.

This disposable device is propelled through the digestive system by the body’s natural muscle contractions (peristalsis).

Images will be taken of the throat and stomach and of the colon, but also of the 5 metres of small bowel in between (inaccessible with an endoscope).

There is no need to push and pull tubes in and out of your mouth or bottom, as with traditional endoscopy.

Therefore there is no discomfort or risk of injury.

There is no need to be sedated at any time, and therefore there is no need for a recovery period or anyone to escort you home.

On its way through your system, the capsule transmits a signal to a reading device worn on a belt around your waist and the resulting video allows our Lab to identify and locate any areas of concern.

Patients may need to prepare their bowels for the test, as they would for a traditional colonoscopy.

Once complete, the unit will be able to advise on next steps. Uncommonly you may need a follow up endoscopy if there is a need to take a tissue sample (biopsy).

For more information contact the MIGe Lab team today

Find out more

Watch the video about how the Video Capsule works

Benefits of the Video Capsule include:

  • Small Bowel: £1,964
  • Colon/Whole bowel: £2,137
  • Checks the whole bowel from top to bottom
  • Reduces discomfort and risk of injury
  • There is no need to stop medication
  • There is no need for sedation
  • There is no need for a recovery period
  • You do not need to be escorted home
  • Continue with your daily activities undisturbed

How the process works:

  1. Speak to your GP about a referral to the MIGe Diagnostics Unit or contact us directly
  2. We will contact you with some consultation appointment options
  3. Before the procedure, you will need to follow the dietary advice supplied and prepare your bowel
  4. On the day of the procedure you will be fitted with the reading device belt and then asked to swallow the Video Capsule with a glass of cold water. Don’t worry – it is quite small
  5. Once we are satisfied that everything is working you can go home with instructions and arrangements for the return of the device
  6. Your results will be ready within 72 hours

Video Capsule is useful in the following scenarios and in the diagnosis of the following conditions:

  • Screening / health check of the whole bowel
  • Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA)
  • Monitoring healing in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis 
  • Repeat surveillance in patients with a family history of colon cancer
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Excessive belching
  • Feeling full
  • Abdominal bloating and distention
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Constipation
  • Loose stool and diarrhoea
  • Unpredictable bowel habit
  • Bleeding from the rectum

For more information contact the MIGe Lab team today

Find out more