Colonoscopies to be replaced by camera that comes in a PILL

The Daily Mail ^ | 2-4-14 | Daily Mail Reporter

[afraidfortherepublic]

There are few medical procedures feared more than a colonoscopy. But what if there was another way to screen patients for colon cancer that's much less intrusive?

Now there is: The PillCam, an ingestible camera that takes high-speed photographs as it works its way through the digestive system and helps doctors spot polyps and other early signs of colon cancer was just cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.

The device is designed for patients who have had trouble with the cringe-inducing colonoscopy procedure, which involves probing the large intestine with a tiny camera embedded in a four-foot long, flexible tube.

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[wbill]

probing the large intestine with a tiny camera embedded in a four-foot long, flexible tube

Or, as Barney Frank would call it, "A Boring Thursday Evening".

[Moonman62]

I bet a person would still have to do prep, which is the hard part. I could see it being a less expensive and safer procedure, though. I assume they would have software to stitch all the pictures together.

[Wordkraft]

So, now it will be, “open wide,” instead of, “Ooooooooooh, wee doggies.”

[fwdude]

The colonoscopy is a “dreaded procedure?” My first one was a walk in the park last year. Very non-disruptive (just had to go to the bathroom a little more often during prep) and worked the entire day before, but it was painless and I got a free day off. What’s not to like?

[IamConservative]

There are few medical procedures feared more than a colonoscopy.

Wonder how narrow a definition the writer is using for procedure? I'd much rather have a colonoscopy than brain surgery or hemorrhoidectomy for that matter.

[DonaldC]

Sounds like you enjoyed it...

[faithhopecharity]

you like? you can have mine!

[upchuck]

There are few medical procedures feared more than a colonoscopy.

And why is that? The procedure is a piece of cake; you're anesthetized. Yes, the prep is onerous.

[DannyTN]

Here's a typical image...

Just kidding.

[fwdude]

This reminds me of an old “gay” joke:

Did you hear about the new “gay” website? Just type in C: [enter] (See colon enter)

[fwdude]

I don't ever remember it. That's why it was a non issue.

[TomGuy]

Last year, many insurance companies were not covering the pill/camera method due to extreme costs. IIRC, they were in the vicinity of $6,000.

[brooklyn dave]

the worst thing about a colonoscopy is the prepping —otherwise not so bad. If they can have a pill that does the trick —go for it.

[fwdude]

The doc removed one polyp which turned out to be benign.

I enjoy finding out good stuff like that.

[brooklyn dave]

oh Barney is still on the public’s mind lol

[Capt. Tom]

The PillCam, an ingestible camera that takes high-speed photographs as it works its way through the digestive system and helps doctors spot polyps and other early signs of colon cancer was just cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.

Those pill cameras have been in use in this country for awhile. This approval must apply to a specific new camera. -Tom

[hattend]

There are few medical procedures feared more than a colonoscopy.

Really? You're asleep through most of it and they aren't cutting you open.

Worst part is the prep the night before.

[stop_fascism]

I’ve had this procedure, and the prep is pretty much the same. And yes, that is the hard part. In addition, you have to wear a video receiver all day. However, this camera does allow the Docs to examine the small intestine.

[Psalm 73]

“If you like your colonoscopy, you can keep your colonoscopy....”