One of the most common malignant diseases is colorectal cancer. Typically, patients with this diagnosis consult a doctor at advanced stages of the disease. Preventive screening may be an option, but due to the delicacy of the issue and the exhausting preparation for traditional colonoscopy, many forgo the opportunity to detect tumors at early stages.
In addition to colonoscopy, there is another method for investigating the colon that is widely used in diagnostic centers – capsule. The traditional capsule taken per os shows the condition of the intestine, mucosa, and the process of peristalsis, but this examination also requires special preparation over several days, and the movement of the capsule is recorded by radiological devices, resulting in frequent imaging that exposes the patient to a small dose of radiation, which may affect their well-being.
A Completely Unique Method for Gastrointestinal Examination at the "Top Ichilov" Clinic
Currently, the clinic uses an absolutely safe, patient-friendly method for gastrointestinal examination – an electronic capsule. This method is based on principles of visual control. The small capsule functions like an endoscope, containing a video camera, a transmission device, and a lighting element.
The patient does not need to undergo a preparatory period for the examination; on a regular day, the patient simply swallows the video capsule. The device moves through the gastrointestinal tract while simultaneously sending video signals to a monitor. The doctor observes the migration of the capsule and assesses the condition of the entire gastrointestinal tract. There is no radiation exposure to the patient, and the examination does not cause any discomfort.
This methodology is the most promising among existing options, but the examination is costly, as the capsule is naturally used only once, and the electronics inside it are highly sensitive and expensive. Researchers at the clinic are actively working on finding a more budget-friendly version of this method, and a solution to this problem may be found in the near future.