Pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)

What is a pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)?

A pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is an exam of the small intestine. It uses a capsule with a tiny camera. Most children will easily swallow this capsule. The capsule is about the size of a large vitamin.

It can take pictures through the small intestine by sending images to a recording device that is worn around the waist. There are also 8 stickers placed on your child’s abdomen. These stickers help the capsule take the pictures. The patient wears this recording device for 8 to 10 hours.

The information received from the recording device is sent to a computer program. It is then reviewed by the gastroenterologist. The capsule is naturally passed in the stool.

What is my child allowed to eat and drink the day before a pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)?

• Your child may eat a regular breakfast and lunch.

• After 2 p.m., your child may have clear liquids only.

  • Do not give any red colored liquids!

    • Examples of clear liquids are:

      • apple juice

      • white grape juice

      • ginger ale

      • powdered drink mixes, such as Kool-aid® or Crystal lite®

      • clear soup broths

      • Jello®, or popsicles without real fruit juice

• Do not give any solid food, milk and milk products, or any juices with pulp, such as orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice after 2 p.m.

• Medicines may be taken as usual the day before the test.

What are the prep instructions the morning of a pediatric wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)?

• Allow enough time to get to the hospital on time. If you arrive late, the procedure WILL BE cancelled.

• Do not give your child their morning medicines. However, you should bring your child’s medicines with you to the hospital.

• Your child may have clear liquids to drink until 3 hours before the scheduled procedure time.

• Your child may not have anything else to drink after this time. This includes water, gum, and hard candy.