More than three years ago, Western Baptist Hospital introduced a new first in digestive health to the community by implementing M2A—or “camera in a pill”—technology. Used to diagnose illnesses of the small intestine, the M2A capsule brings convenience and advanced technology to both patients and physicians. New advances in similar technology are now giving patients at Western Baptist Hospital even more alternatives to traditional testing and physicians, more accurate and advanced technology in treatment.

Tiny Camera Examines Esophagus
The Pill Cam ESO is used to detect diseases of the esophagus, like Barrett’s esophagitis, a precancerous condition that can ultimately lead to cancer. According to Dr. John Kraus with Paducah Gastroenterology Associates, PSC, the pill cam looks like a large vitamin on the outside, but inside it’s a tiny technological wonder.

“Inside is a battery, transmitter, lights and small cameras,” explains Dr. Kraus. “Once a patient swallows the pill cam, it travels throughout the digestive tract, flashing 14 times per second and taking pictures at that rate.”

The patient wears a receiver on a belt around his or her waist, with sensors attached to the chest. At the end of the study, the images are downloaded to a computer and digital images are produced, allowing physicians to examine the patient’s esophagus from an inside point of view. If abnormalities are seen, an endoscopy will need to be scheduled.

Pill-Sized Monitor Helps Diagnose GERD
For those in our area joining the estimated 18 million Americans who suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a new patient friendly test offered at Western Baptist’s Center for Digestive Health may provide relief. The Medtronic Bravo pH Monitoring System involves a miniature pH capsule about the size of a gelcap that is attached to the esophagus and transmits pH information to a small receiver worn by the patient. During the test period, which usually lasts about 48 hours, the Bravo pH capsule measures the pH levels in the esophagus and transmits the information onto the receiver. That information is uploaded to a computer, where physicians can evaluate and diagnose the patient’s condition.

“The introduction of this leading-edge technology is indicative of the quality of care we strive to bring to our patients at Western Baptist’s Center for Digestive Health,” says Dr. Gary Bodnarchuk, with Paducah Gastroenterology Associates, PSC. “By implementing such advances, we’re able to meet our patients’ needs more conveniently and efficiently, providing them with better courses of treatment and thus, better health and wellness.”