Camera in a pill is a useful diagnostic tool

The FDA has approved a novel method of diagnosis of gastroesophageal disorders. Normally a patient would require an endoscope to examine their gastric system but the PillCam simply involves swallowing a pill with a camera on either end which sends images to a monitor. The method is simple and non invasive whereas an endoscope requires sedation and several hours in a hospital. Even if it can't conclusively diagnose a patient it may at least help determine whether an endoscope is really necessary. It is capable of diagnosing conditions such as reflux, chronic heartburn and Barrett's Esophagus (a precancerous condition). It may help reflux sufferers become more motivated to control their condition by being able to easily and regularly monitor their condition.

Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Local 8 - KFMBTV

Related Disease Topics:

• Reflux
• Chronic heartburn
• Barrett's Esophagus
• Gastroesophageal disorder

Article Source Details

About: Camera in a pill is a useful diagnostic tool

Date: 30 November 2004

Source: Local 8 - KFMBTV

URL: http://www.kfmb.com/features/healthcast/story.php?id=830

Related Medical Topics

This summary article refers to the following medical categories:

• Cancer
• GERD
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Diagnosis
• Diagnosis of reflux
• Diagnosis of chronic heartburn
• Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus
• Diagnosis of gastroesophageal disorder
• Diagnosis of cancer
• Diagnosis of GERD
• Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

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