Wireless Capsule Motility Testing in Dallas, TX
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is a wireless capsule motility test?
A wireless capsule motility test is a test designed to assess the contractile properties of the esophagus. To perform the procedure, one of our GI specialists will provide you with a small pill, the SmartPill, which will monitor PH, pressure, transit time, and temperature throughout your entire GI tract. This study may be performed to help determine the cause of:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Chest pain
- Esophageal spasm
- Regurgitation
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux
- Or prior to esophageal surgery
For more information about motility testing and how it can help relieve your gastrointestinal symptoms, contact Digestive Health Associates of Texas in Dallas, TX to find a GI doctor in your area.
What is a SmartPill?
The SmartPill is a small capsule that your gastroenterologist uses to monitor PH, pressure, transit time, and temperature throughout your entire GI tract. The small capsule is ingestible, similar to a pill, and the information is wirelessly transmitted to a data receiver worn on a belt or lanyard. Monitoring PH and pressure will allow your gastroenterologist to evaluate motility disorders such as:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Gastric emptying time
- Colonic transit time
- Whole gut transit time
- Pressure patterns
- Gastroparesis
What should I do to prepare for the wireless capsule motility test?
You will be asked to fast prior to your test and may be asked to stop taking certain medications. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking, and specific instructions for you.
What will the wireless capsule motility test look like?
Your office visit on the day of your SmartPill test should only take about 30 minutes. When you get to your appointment, you will be given a small meal called the SmartBar to eat, then you will ingest the capsule with sips of water.
Following the appointment, you will be instructed not to eat anything for a given amount of time (usually about 6 hours), and only take small sips of water for the same amount of time. Our Digestive Health Associates of Texas team will go over these instructions with you very carefully to ensure you understand.
The pill is usually passed within a few days and is a single-use, disposable pill. You will be instructed to return the data recorder to our Dallas, TX or surrounding area office following passing your SmartPill.
Is the wireless capsule motility test safe?
The wireless capsule motility test is very safe, and complications are uncommon. The largest potential risk of the wireless capsule motility test is the SmartPill lodging somewhere in the digestive tract. You will likely be advised against this test if you have a history of strictures in your GI tract, IBD (like Crohn’s disease), or a pacemaker.
The SmartPill moves through your digestive system normally, and should not cause any pain or discomfort.
Speak to your GI doctor about any concerns you may have about the SmartPill test.
Identify the reason of your nausea, bloating, and more
At Digestive Health Associates of Texas, we know how uncomfortable gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, bloating, and constipation can be—especially when identifying the root cause is difficult. At our Dallas, TX and surrounding area locations, our network of GI specialists offer wireless capsule motility testing, sometimes known as the SmartPill test, to identify the cause of these issues and get you relief. This ingestible pill tracks the PH, pressure, transit time, and temperature of your entire GI tract for about six hours and wirelessly transmits the information back to our team so we can give you the results you need. For more information on wireless capsule motility testing and how it can help you, contact our Dallas, TX office to find a GI doctor in your area.
Reviews
Dr. Sindhu Abraham has been my doctor for the past 17 years. She is a very caring and thorough doctor. I totally trust her with my life. She goes above and beyond any other doctor I have ever had. I am very thankful to have had her for all these years as my physician because I know I can rely on her to save my life and keep me healthy.
Very professional and timely service upon arrival at appointment time.
He is a very good doctor!!
Easy experience.
Dr. Akerman and his staff are amazing! They are communicative and quickly respond to all questions. I would recommend Dr. Akerman to anyone looking for a Gastroenterologist!
10021
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating