Preparation for capsule endoscopy
Prior to the day of your procedure you will have a preassessment (usually by telephone). The nurse will ask you a number of questions about your health to ensure you are able to prepare safely for your procedure. It is important that you have a list of all your medications to hand to give to the nurse. If you are unsure about your medication contact your GP practice and ask them to provide you with a list. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about your procedure.
You can take your usual medicines as normal in the days leading up to the test .If you are taking iron tablets or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or celecoxib) your nurse will ask you to stop taking them one week before the test. If you have been offered a date and these have not been stopped please contact the Endoscopy unit. Please contact us for more information.
You must stop eating certain foods 4 days prior to your procedure. This is to eliminate any fibre from your gastrointestinal tract. You'll have instructions on what to do and what you can eat and drink.
You'll also need to take some medicine to empty your bowels (laxatives) the day before your procedure. This is called bowel preparation. You must take the bowel preparation sent to you as instructed. Failure to do so may result in you requiring further tests or being cancelled on the day. There are different types of bowel preparation available and your preassessment nurse will give you the information to take this.
