Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is designed to examine the inside of your small bowel (small intestine) using a tiny wireless camera that captures detailed images as it passes through.
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What is Video Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy is used to examine the inside of your small bowel (also called the small intestine). The capsule is about the size of a large vitamin tablet and contains a miniature camera, a light source, and a radio transmitter. As it travels naturally through your digestive system, it takes thousands of images of your small bowel and sends them wirelessly to a data recorder that you wear around your waist. The small bowel makes up the middle 4 metres of the gastrointestinal tract, which is around 6 metres long in total and runs from the mouth to the back passage.
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What Conditions Can be Diagnosed Using a Capsule Endoscopy?

A capsule endoscopy may be recommended for several reasons, including:

Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease

Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract

Barrett’s Oesophagus
‍

Crohn’s Disease

Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers
‍

Colonic Polyps

Gastric Cancer

Colon Cancer

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.
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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?

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 £2,355
£2,355
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
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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
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.
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Our Flagship 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, a renowned centre of medical 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.
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