Tiny camera pill introduced at West Suffolk Hospital
The pill can be swallowed by patients at home.
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
A tiny camera pill has been made available to patients at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds for the first time.
The high-tech device can be swallowed by the patient at home.
The recorded footage can then be downloaded and sent to the hospital for analysis, giving specialists and detailed look at their bowel, while avoiding the need for invasive hospital visits.
It's one of three new approaches being pioneered at the hospital in the fight against cancer.
The hospital's endoscopy team is also introducing a new test for cell changes in the oesophagus - the tube that carries food to the stomach - called a cytosponge.
It's an innovative test for Barrett's oesophagus - a condition that can increase a person's risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
The patient swallows a small capsule containing a 'sponge on a string'.
The capsule dissolves allowing the sponge to expand, which then collects samples from the oesophagus for testing as it is removed.
The hospital says it's also invested in equipment for more traditional endoscopy tests - so a flexible tube with a camera on the end, can be inserted into a patients nose rather than down their throat.
It makes it quicker and more comfortable for the patient, and reduces the need for sedation.
Cancer lead and consultant surgeon Antonia Wells said: “These innovative approaches will allow lead us to a faster diagnosis for many patients including those with suspected cancers.”
Nurse endoscopist Annie Kelling said: “The feedback so far has been very positive. These new approaches help us see more people, more quickly and also allow us to free up more appointments for our established endoscopy procedures.
“This all helps reduce anxiety for patients, and the quicker we can diagnose a condition the quicker we can get on and start to offer treatment.”