Assessing motility of the gastrointestinal tract using a wireless capsule

3.1 The aim of the wireless capsule procedure is to measure gastrointestinal (GI) motility (that is, gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time or colonic transit time) by assessing temperature, pressure and pH.

3.2 The wireless capsule system consists of a single‑use, non‑digestible, wireless transmitting capsule, a receiver for acquiring and storing signals from the capsule and software for displaying data on a computer. The patient fasts for several hours before the procedure and then drinks some water and eats a standardised meal replacement before swallowing the capsule. The patient then fasts for several more hours and is advised to avoid vigorous exercise. While in the body, the capsule samples bowel contents and transmits data about pH, pressure and temperature to a portable receiver (worn by the patient) at regular intervals as it travels through the GI tract. The patient can record meals, sleep and bowel movements by pushing an event button on the receiver. The capsule is passed out of the bowel with the faeces. If not seen in the stool, loss of the recording signal or an abrupt temperature drop on the recording profile confirm exit of the capsule from the body.