Gastroenterology
| Date of procedure: |
| Time: |
| Please attend Redcar Primary Care Hospital |
- PLEASE STOP taking any iron tablets (for example, ferrous sulphate) for 7 days prior to the procedure (Please check any supplements or vitamins you take as these may contain iron.
- Try to avoid codeine or opiate containing painkillers (for example, co-codamol, dihydrocodeine) for one week before the test. If you feel that you are unable to stop this, please contact us to discuss further.
Before your procedure
- Do not eat any food for 24 hours before the procedure.
- Only clear fluids should be taken.
Examples of clear fluids:
- Water
- Well diluted cordial juice (no blackcurrant)
- Black tea or coffee (no milk)
- Flavoured water or sparkling water
- Lemonade
- Clear jelly
- Ice lollies
- Bovril or oxo
- Lucozade
- Apple juice
Diabetics
We may need you to stop some of your diabetic medication, this will have been discussed at the pre-assessment telephone appointment. If you need more information, please contact us on the details below.
Ambulance transport
on patient
Should you require ambulance transport, please contact your GP to book this. It is important to do this at least 48 hours before your procedure.
The procedure
Once you have signed the consent form, we will need you to swallow the capsule with a little water. We will then connect you to a data recorder that is worn at the waist, on a large belt.
You will be asked to remain in the department for around 30 to 60 minutes to check the position of the capsule.
After swallowing the capsule
Do not eat or drink for 2 hours
- After 2 hours, clear fluids may be taken.
- After 4 hours you may eat.
You wil be free to mobilise as normal.
We will need you to return the sensor belt and data recorder to the Endoscopy Department at James Cook University Hospital. This can be done the same day or the next day.
Once your procedure is completed, your pictures will be downloaded and reviewed by the doctor or specialist nurse, this can take up to 8 weeks. Your report will then be sent to your referring doctor, who will contact you regarding the results.
The capsule is disposable and will be excreted safely from your body naturally (in your stools) into the toilet. This time varies from person to person and can take up to 2 weeks.
You do not normally feel any pain or discomfort, however, should you experience pain and are concerned please contact the capsule nurse specialist (details below). You will need to check, visually, when going to the toilet to see if you have passed the capsule.
Having an MRI while the capsule is inside your body may result in serious damage to your intestinal tract.
Contact information
If you require further information, please contact the Endoscopy Capsule Service.
Telephone: 01642 944300, Extension: 34661
Telephone: 01642 854451
Available 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]