Video Capsule Endoscopy - Instructions

Please follow these four steps during the days leading up to your procedure

Please Note:

∙ While a capsule endoscopy is generally a safe procedure, there is a small chance of developing complications that may not be identified for up to a week or more after your procedure. We suggest that you do not plan this procedure within a couple of weeks prior to traveling, or an important social event.

 

1. Five Days Before Procedure

  • Pick up a bottle of MiraLAX from your pharmacy that contains at least 10 doses or 153 grams of MiraLAX powder. (Available over the counter)

2. One Day Before Procedure

  • Consume a light breakfast and light lunch (about half a normal meal)

  • Clear liquids are okay for the rest of the day until midnight. This can include broth (e.g., chicken/beef), tea, Gatorade, Pedialyte, jello, apple juice, ginger ale, sherbert. - Avoid red colored liquids

3. Evening Before Procedure

  • Early in the evening prior to the capsule endoscopy: mix 7 capfuls (119 grams) of MiraLAX with 32 oz of water or Gatorade (not red). Drink the mixture completely.

4. Morning of Procedure: Three Hours prior to Procedure

  • Mix 1 capful (17 grams) of MiraLAX with a full glass of water or Gatorade (not red). Drink the mixture completely

  • Do not eat or drink after completing the prep prior to the procedure.

  • Hold off on all unnecessary medications until 2 hours after ingestion of the capsule. It is okay to take necessary medications.

After Your Procedure

  • 2 hours after capsule ingestion: You may ingest clear liquids

  • 4 hours after capsule ingestion: Mix 1 capful (17 grams) of MiraLAX with a full glass of liquid

  • You may consume a light lunch after the dose of laxative at 4 hours

  • Consume 1 capful (17 grams) of MiraLAX with a full glass of liquid each day until the capsule passes. This will help the capsule pass sooner and be easier to identify

  • Click here for Capsule retrieval video instructions

  • Once retrieved, ship the capsule via FedEx with the pre-paid postage and envelope provided at your visit

  • Your doctor will review the capsule within 1-2 weeks and notify you of results

Additional information:

  • Purchasing the prep: MiraLAX may come in various sizes. Please ensure to obtain enough for the entire procedure, at least 153 grams (you may have some left after the procedure).

  • The capsule may take 8-48 hours to pass. If you haven’t passed the capsule in 72 hours (3 days) after ingestion, then contact your doctor.

  • To avoid a repeat of this study, please adhere to the retrieval instructions until the capsule is retrieved. Continue to use the retrieval pan until the capsule is retrieved.

  • If the capsule accidentally goes into the toilet, do NOT flush. use the wand to retrieve from the toilet.

  • Avoid undergoing any MRI exam until the capsule is retrieved.

  • Click here and here to learn more about the Capsule endoscopy procedure.