Capsule Endoscopy in India starts from $800. The total cost of the treatment depends on the diagnosis and facilities opted by the patient.
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE), popularly known as capsule endoscopy, is a specialized, non-invasive test to visualize the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract starts from the mouth (oral cavity) and ends at the rectum through the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestine.
Capsule endoscopy is an advanced endoscopic technology that uses a swallowed camera-enabled capsule. This capsule takes the pictures of the GI tract from the inside until it is finally eliminated naturally from the body. As the capsule moves, the pictures are transmitted to a receiver, which is worn by the patient at waist level in the form of a belt. The process continues for 8 hours.
Capsule endoscopy may be used for the following reasons:
- Unexplained abdominal pain or GI bleeding
- As a screening tool for tumors, ulcers, and polyps
- Diagnosis of celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions
- After other imaging tests such as endoscopy, MRI or X-ray have failed to diagnose the condition
The rising popularity of capsule endoscopy can be attributed to the fact that it is not invasive and painful as compared to a GI endoscopy. Also, it helps provide detailed and comprehensive imaging of the entire GI tract.