Humboldt County Memorial Hospital Introduces PillCam™ Capsule Endoscopy Services

Humboldt, Iowa — Humboldt County Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of PillCam™ capsule endoscopy services within its Surgery Department, expanding access to advanced diagnostic technology for patients in the community. 

The PillCam™ SB capsule endoscopy system is an ingestible camera capsule designed to provide visualization of the small bowel, an area of the digestive tract that can be difficult to examine using traditional procedures. During the exam, patients swallow a capsule approximately the size of a multivitamin while wearing a small recording device that captures images as the capsule naturally travels through the digestive system. The capsule is disposable and passes naturally without needing to be retrieved. 

For more than 20 years, PillCam™ capsule endoscopy technology has helped physicians visualize and monitor lesions within the small intestine that may indicate or be a source of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and iron deficiency anemia that may not be detected through traditional upper or lower endoscopy procedures. 

“This new technology allows us to provide another valuable diagnostic option close to home for our patients,” said Amber Bakken, Director of Surgery. “By incorporating PillCam™ services into our Surgery Department, we continue our commitment to bringing advanced healthcare services to the communities we serve.” 

Capsule endoscopy is specifically designed to examine the small intestine. It is not intended to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, or colon and does not replace an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. 

Patients interested in learning more about PillCam™ capsule endoscopy services or determining whether they may be a candidate are encouraged to contact Humboldt County Memorial Hospital at 515-332-4200 or speak with their healthcare provider.