Capsule Endoscopy & Other Procedures
Information about Capsule Endoscopy and Other Procedures Performed at Our Practice
Capsule Endoscopy
This minimally invasive procedure is used to examine the middle section of the gastrointestinal tract, an area that is difficult to reach with traditional endoscopy or colonoscopy procedures. The patient swallows a pill-sized video camera that contains its own light source. As the device passes through the gastrointestinal tract, images of the small intestine are relayed to a recording device worn on the body. The physician reviews pictures on the recording device at a later date. Capsule endoscopy is typically used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease and detect ulcers, polyps, and tumors of the small intestine.
During this procedure, a small data recorder is worn around the waist for approximately eight hours. The pill-sized capsule endoscope is swallowed and passes naturally through the digestive tract without being noticed by the patient. The patient returns to the office so the data recorder may be removed.
Patients are usually asked to fast for approximately 12 hours before the procedure. Once the capsule has been swallowed, clear liquids are allowed after two hours and a light meal is allowed after four hours.
Medications and medical conditions are discussed prior to the procedure so any necessary adjustments may be made.
Infusion Therapy
Vermont Gastroenterology is proud to offer patients in-office infusions at our brand new, state-of-the-art Infusion Suite. Infusion therapy is primarily used to treat severe or chronic diseases and infections that may not respond to oral antibiotics. Many types of diseases, conditions, and infections may be treated using infusion therapy, including different types of cancers, gastrointestinal tract infections, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Our Infusion Suite is available to patients in a convenient office setting, with no wait time and ample appointment availability. Depending on one’s insurance carrier and plan, this procedure can often be done at a lower cost than the surrounding medical centers and maintains continuity of care with your VT Gastro Physician.
Other Procedures
Our caring, committed team at Vermont Gastroenterology may perform one of several tests to evaluate digestive tract problems, including upper and lower gastrointestinal X-rays. We also perform specialized studies to evaluate swallowing difficulties, acid reflux, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, lactose intolerance, H. pylori infection, and more.
Still have questions?
Understandably, you may have questions about scheduling, your upcoming appointment, payment, and other topics related to our practice. Visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” page for answers to commonly asked questions.
Green Mountain Surgery Center
Our physicians perform a variety of procedures at Green Mountain Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art, modern facility for outpatient procedures in Colchester, VT.
875 Roosevelt Avenue
Suite 132
Colchester, Vermont 05446
Phone: (802) 864-7483
Fax: (802) 660-4337
info@vtgastro.com