Capsule endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the small intestine, which is difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy techniques. In this procedure, a patient swallows a small, pill-sized capsule that contains a tiny camera, a light, and a transmitter.

As the capsule travels naturally through the digestive tract, it takes thousands of pictures of the small intestine, which are transmitted to a recorder worn by the patient. After the procedure, these images are downloaded and reviewed by the doctor to detect any abnormalities, such as bleeding, inflammation, or tumors.

Capsule endoscopy is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The capsule is usually passed out of the body naturally in the stool within a day or two, and no retrieval is needed. This procedure is non-invasive and generally safe, with few risks, making it a valuable tool for examining parts of the digestive system that are otherwise difficult to access.