Laserkapselotähystys

Laserkapselotähystys, also known as laser capsule endoscopy or capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. It involves swallowing a small, pill-sized camera capsule that travels through the digestive system, capturing images along the way. These images are wirelessly transmitted to a recording device worn by the patient.

The capsule contains a miniature camera, a light source, a battery, and a transmitter. As it passes through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, it takes thousands of pictures. The patient typically prepares for the procedure by fasting for several hours beforehand and may also need to consume a liquid solution to clear the digestive tract. After the capsule has passed out of the body, usually within 24 to 72 hours, the recorded images are downloaded and analyzed by a physician.

Laserkapselotähystys is primarily used to detect abnormalities in the small intestine, an area that is difficult to visualize with traditional endoscopy methods. It can help diagnose conditions such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and tumors. The procedure is generally considered safe and minimally invasive, though there is a small risk of the capsule getting stuck in a narrowed area of the digestive tract, which may require surgical removal.