Pill camera arrives in city

Alex de Vos
Forget fasting, sedation and hospitalisation to detect intestinal problems – new technology has finally arrived in Geelong to make the procedure as easy as gulping down a tiny camera the size of a jelly bean.
St John of God Hospital specialist manager Eloise Cann said PillCam, which passes naturally through the body, allowed doctors to easily screen for abnormalities in the intestinal system while minimising patients’ discomfort and hospital time
She said patients swallowed the camera, which weighed less than four grams, so it could slide down their oesophageal tract, taking 50,000 images on its journey through the digestive system.
“The camera, equipped with a battery and a light, takes pictures which are then wirelessly transmitted to a pager the patient wears around their neck,” Ms Cann said.
“It takes images right through the gastrointestinal system.”
Ms Cann said the procedure was completed when the patient “passes” the single-use camera.
“We don’t want it back.”
Ms Cann said doctors used PillCam for quick diagnosis of intestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anaemia, small intestine tumours and suspected Crohn’s or coeliac disease.
“But it does not replace a gastrosocopy or endoscopy – it can’t take a biopsy,” she warned.
Since its introduction, St John of God has conducted 50 ingestions for 30 diagnoses.
“We’re absolutely rapt to be able to offer this technology in Geelong – previously patients had to travel to Werribee,” she said.
“It’s a great service.”
PillCam took four years to reach Geelong after the Israeli-made camera earned United States Food and Drug Administration approval in 2005.
“For many people, having an undiagnosed condition can be so frustrating and stressful, so we’re truly excited to expand our service to enhance our commitment to providing distinctive care to our patients and the Geelong community,” Ms Cann said.