Western Baptist Hospital is now among the first in the nation to use a clinically proven medical technology that allows physicians to see what no one has ever been able to fully capture before—the entire 21 feet of the human small intestine. The M2A® Capsule Endoscope, or camera in a pill, was pioneered by Given Imaging Corporation to give patients a noninvasive option for diagnosis of certain small intestine disorders.

“We are extremely excited to offer a technology that will improve our ability to diagnose disorders of the small intestine,” says Dr. Terri Jaggers, with Paducah Gastroenterology Associates. “The M2A capsule is much more convenient for our patients, who now can avoid the unpleasant preparation, extended visits, and anesthesia associated with other diagnostic procedures.”

The capsule, which is taken with a sip of water, just like a vitamin, passes naturally through the digestive tract, recording video images that are transmitted to, and then stored on, a recorder belt worn throughout the day. Eight hours after swallowing the capsule, the patient returns the belt to the physician’s office. The physician then views the images using the Given Imaging workstation and RAPID software, and later reports his or her findings back to the patient.

“Approximately 70 million Americans currently suffer from gastrointestinal troubles, including disorders such as obscure bleeding, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and intestinal tumors,” says Dr. Russell Carter with Bluegrass Gastroenterology, PSC. “However, many of these conditions go undiagnosed or are treated by trial and error, due to the limited diagnostic options available for this region of the body. The new M2A Capsule Endoscope significantly improves the chances of accurate diagnosis for many previously undiagnosed small intestine disorders. It’s a wonderful advancement in digestive health.”