NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH GENERAL HOSPITAL
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In partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program’s Waterloo Wellington Specialized Endoscopy Program, Guelph General Hospital has introduced capsule endoscopy, a procedure that uses a tiny camera to take pictures of the digestive tract.
“Capsule technology changes the way to see into the small intestine,” says Dr. Dan Kottachchi, gastroenterologist at Guelph General Hospital.
“It helps us to explore unexplained blood loss and other unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms in a hard to reach area, while being a much more comfortable and safer experience for the patient. Sedation is not needed with this procedure with minimal complication risks, and the patient is home during the whole testing process.”
Unlike traditional endoscopy which involves passing a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and video camera down the throat or other areas of the body, capsule endoscopy uses a high resolution camera inside a pill-size capsule that is swallowed.
As the capsule travels through the digestive tract, the camera takes thousands of pictures that are transmitted to a recorder. These images are then reviewed for abnormalities.
“As the first trial patient at Guelph General Hospital to have a capsule endoscopy, I can say that the entire process was seamless. I live in Fergus and it was nice to be able to stay close to home for the procedure and have my daughter drive me,” shared Marjorie, the first capsule endoscopy patient at Guelph General Hospital.
Capsule endoscopy is used to diagnose a number of symptoms and diseases like unexplained bleeding, inflammation in the small intestine (eg. inflammatory bowel disease, strictures), cancers, and celiac disease.
“This is about bringing care closer to home," says Kim Towes, senior director of patient services. "Previously, anyone in Waterloo Wellington needing this procedure had to travel to London, Toronto, or Hamilton."
"Patients would often have to wait months for these tests and require blood transfusions or therapy while waiting. Now, we can do this test immediately if needed. Interventions can then be pursued to address the findings faster. Along with Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s new endoscopic ultrasound, these investments have made it more accessible for our patients to receive a better standard of care,” Towes added.
The Waterloo Wellington Specialized Endoscopy Program currently offers endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (Guelph General Hospital and Grand River Hospital), endoscopic ultrasound, a Liver Health Centre (both at Cambridge Memorial Hospital), and now capsule endoscopy (Guelph General Hospital).