How does capsule endoscopy examine the intestines for Crohn disease?

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a diagnostic tool used to examine the small intestine, a region often affected by Crohn disease that is difficult to reach with traditional flexible endoscopes.12

During the procedure, the patient swallows a pill-sized camera that travels through the gastrointestinal tract. As it moves, the capsule captures and transmits images to sensors attached to the patient's abdomen with adhesive. These images are recorded on a device worn on a belt for approximately eight hours, allowing for a comprehensive visual assessment of the intestinal lining. Once the data is collected, it is downloaded to a computer for analysis to identify signs of inflammation or other abnormalities associated with the disease. The capsule eventually passes naturally through the body in a bowel movement.12