COLONOSCOPY IN A CAPSULE
Bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers if detected early, but some people ignore its symptoms- lower abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding. The thought of an investigative colonoscopy- complete with fasting, cleansing solutions, anesthesia and a day off work- seems too hard for some. But what if patients could swallow a camera-carrying pill instead, one that beams images to their doctor’s computer? Would the less-fuss approach help boost detection rates for the condition that kills over 25,000 Indians every year ?
Already used to view the esophagus and small intestine, the pill is the first step, says Dr.Sherman Chamberlain, US gastroenterologist who has tested the device. Warren Bingham, president of the Australia and New Zealand operations of Given Imaging, the company that pioneered capsule endoscopy, says the pill can take up to 35 images per second. He says studies suggest it could be nearly as effective as traditional colonoscopy.
the Australia and New Zealand operations of Given Imaging, the company that pioneered capsule endoscopy, says the pill can take up to 35 images per second. He says studies suggest it could be nearly as effective as traditional colonoscopy.
"Capsule endoscopy provides a clear view of the colon and rectum."