Capsule Endoscopy Birmingham

Capsule endoscopy is used to examine the small bowel using a tiny wireless camera that captures images as it moves through the digestive system.
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What is Video Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that allows your consultant to examine the lining of the small intestine. A small pill-sized camera is swallowed and captures images as it moves through the digestive tract, helping diagnose a range of gastrointestinal conditions without the need for a traditional endoscopy.

Why Would You Need a Capsule Endoscopy?

Your consultant may recommend a capsule endoscopy if you have symptoms or conditions such as:
Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
Ongoing abdominal pain
Small bowel tumours or polyps
Suspected Crohn’s disease
Iron deficiency anaemia with no clear cause
Coeliac disease
Capsule endoscopy is especially useful for examining parts of the small intestine that cannot easily be reached with traditional endoscopy procedures.

Preparing for Your Capsule Endoscopy

Good preparation helps ensure clear images and accurate results. On the day before your procedure, you should follow a clear liquid diet after lunch and avoid red or purple drinks, milk, and alcohol.

You should not eat or drink anything after 10pm on the evening before the test.

Most regular medications can be taken up to two hours before the procedure with a small sip of water. If you have diabetes or any other medical concerns, speak to the endoscopy team before your appointment.

On the day of the procedure, wear loose-fitting two-piece clothing so the sensor belt and recording device can be fitted comfortably.

Capsule Endoscopy - What to Expect

During your capsule endoscopy

When you arrive at the endoscopy unit, a sensor belt will be placed around your abdomen and connected to a small recording device worn at your waist.

You will then swallow the capsule with a small amount of water. As it travels naturally through your digestive system, it captures images and sends them to the recorder.

After swallowing the capsule, you should avoid eating or drinking for at least two hours. After around four hours, you can usually have a light snack.

After your appointment

Once the examination is complete, you can return to your normal diet. During the recording period, avoid strenuous activity and take care not to damage the recording device.

The capsule should pass naturally in your bowel movements. If you have not noticed it pass within two weeks, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Capsule endoscopy is a safe, non-invasive way to examine the small bowel using a tiny camera capsule that is swallowed.

The procedure is simple, painless, and provides detailed images that can help diagnose a range of digestive conditions without the need for a traditional endoscopy.

Book a Capsule Endoscopy in Birmingham

Book your capsule endoscopy in Birmingham today for a simple, non-invasive way to investigate your digestive health.

Get clear, detailed answers from inside your small bowel with expert care you can trust.

Key Benefits of Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any tubes or instruments to be inserted into the body. It is generally painless and well tolerated by most patients.

Key benefits include:

No invasive instruments or sedation required
Comfortable and usually pain-free experience
High-resolution images of the small intestine
Minimal disruption to your normal daily routine

Capsule Endoscopy Risks and considerations

Although capsule endoscopy is very safe, there are a few potential risks to be aware of.

Some of these include:

Capsule retention: In rare cases, the capsule may become stuck in a narrowed area of the bowel, occurring in around 1% of cases
Incomplete results: Occasionally, the images may not be clear enough, and the test may need to be repeated

If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting after the procedure, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Effective

Allows doctors to examine up to 4 metres of the small bowel, an area that is hard to assess using standard endoscopy methods such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

Painless

Swallow the capsule with some water, just like taking a regular tablet. Once swallowed you can get on with your day as normal.

Comprehensive Reports

Prepared by experienced gut health clinicians, giving you clear next steps for relief and long-term wellbeing.

Fully Regulated

Performed in a highly-regulated hospital environment.

Our Testing Process

Getting a capsule endoscopy is simple and straightforward. After your referral and booking, you’ll swallow a small, pill-sized camera at our clinic, and our specialists will analyse the images it captures. Within 1–2 weeks, you’ll receive a detailed report with personalised recommendations and next steps.

Book your appointment

If you’ve been referred by your GP or another healthcare professional, you can book directly with us. If you don’t yet have a referral, our team can advise you on how to arrange one.

Attend your capsule endoscopy

On the day of your test, you’ll swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. It contains a miniature camera, light, and transmitter. As it passes naturally through your digestive system, it will take thousands of images of your small bowel, sending them wirelessly to a data recorder you’ll wear around your waist. The test is painless, requires no sedation, and you can usually get on with your day as normal.

Receive your results and personalised report

Within 1–2 weeks, a consultant will carefully review your images and provide a detailed report. You’ll then have a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings, treatment options, or onward referrals if needed.

See what our patients have to say.

"On time, clear & precise , I felt relaxed and comfortable , and he was easy to speak to."
Verified on Doctify
16 January 2025
"A high level of skill coupled with a calm professionalism made my first colonoscopy a relatively straightforward experience."
Verified on Doctify
06 November 2025
"Excellent service from initial consultation through to my procedure."
Verified on Doctify
12 November 2025
"A very useful experience everything explained well, no problems, pleasant Doctor."
Verified on Doctify
02 February 2026
"My visit was well organised with a brief consultation and blood test."
Verified on Doctify
11 August 2025
"I am very pleased with every aspect of the treatment and care I received."
Verified on Doctify
25 July 2025
"I was worried coming in but everyone was very welcoming and made me relax and the procedure was much quicker than expected."
Verified on Doctify
25 June 2025
"Wonderful experience from start to finish. Everything was explained very clearly and reassuring."
Verified on Doctify
13 June 2025
Throughout all this he has been very professional, friendly and extremely supportive. It all was a very positive experience. Thank you.
Verified on Top Doctors
11 December 2025
One of the few doctors I have seen whom I truly feel listened to, empathised with and whom I can trust to look after my health and get to the bottom of what's wrong. Thank you so much!
Verified on Top Doctors
6 December 2025
"The water based technique for colonoscopy enabled me to be cured without trauma of surgery. I am eternally grateful."
Verified on Top Doctors
24 November 2025
"All the staff were amazing, friendly and professional."
Verified on Top Doctors
21 November 2025
"Professional, calm, and reassuring, explained everything clearly, and I didn’t feel a thing. Outstanding care throughout, I can highly recommend him."
Verified on Top Doctors
31 October 2025
"Outstanding care throughout, I can highly recommend him."
Verified on Top Doctors
31 October 2025
"I would definitely recommend and thank them for the care and attention"
Verified on Top Doctors
12 October 2025
"Very personable and professional from the start and made me feel at ease immediately. He’s quickly got me through the process and I couldnt be more impressed."
Verified on Top Doctors
9 October 2025

How much does a Private Capsule Endoscopy Cost in Birmingham?

Simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to be treated at Gut Diagnostics. As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, high-quality healthcare at times that work best for you.

You don't need a referral from your GP or specialist. We provide comprehensive consultations to ensure the test is right for you. The self-pay route makes the process much simpler — there’s no need for insurance authorisation, and you’ll benefit from a wider choice of consultants and more flexible appointment times.
Paid by insurance
Gut Diagnostics is recognised by all major health insurance providers. If you have a personal policy, or cover arranged through your employer, you can use it to pay for your care — from your first consultation through to treatment, surgery, and aftercare such as physiotherapy.

As policies vary, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm exactly what is included in your cover before starting treatment.

Video Capsule Endoscopy

Private Video Capsule Endoscopy at Gut Diagnostics costs £2,300
£2,300
INCLUDES
Your fee includes the procedure as well as:
Initial consultation
Personalised referral letter
Monitoring and support
High-resolution images
Comprehensive report
Priority scheduling
Treatment advice
Coordination with specialist
Follow-up consultation
Safe hospital environment
Enquire Now

Capsule Endoscopy - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about Video Capsule Endoscopy in Birmingham.
What is a capsule endoscopy?
A capsule endoscopy is a test that uses a small, pill-sized camera to take thousands of pictures of your small bowel (small intestine) as it passes naturally through your digestive system.
Is the procedure painful?
No — the test is completely painless. You simply swallow the capsule with some water, and it travels through your gut without you feeling it. Most people carry on with their day as normal.
Do I need sedation or anaesthetic?
No sedation or anaesthetic is required. The test is non-invasive and does not require recovery time.
How long does the test take?
The capsule usually takes 8–12 hours to pass through your digestive system. During this time, you’ll wear a recorder around your waist to capture the images.
How do I prepare for the test?
You’ll usually be asked to fast for several hours before swallowing the capsule. Your doctor may also advise avoiding certain foods or medications in the lead-up to the procedure.
What happens to the capsule afterwards?
The capsule is disposable. It passes naturally in your stool, usually within 24–48 hours, and does not need to be retrieved.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Capsule endoscopy is very safe. Rarely, the capsule can become stuck if there is a narrowing in the bowel, but your doctor will check your medical history to minimise this risk.
How do I get my results?
After the test, the images are reviewed by a specialist. You’ll receive a detailed report, and your doctor will discuss the findings and any next steps with you.

More Information

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Our Flagship Birmingham Clinic

At Gut Diagnostics, we are a dedicated team of gut health specialists, bringing together advanced diagnostics and compassionate care.

Our flagship clinic is proudly based at The Priory Hospital in Birmingham's Edgbaston Medical quarter, a renowned centre of healthcare excellence. This prestigious setting provides our patients with access to state-of-the-art facilities, a safe and regulated environment, and the support of a leading multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Our specialists are here to guide you on your journey to better digestive health.