Innovative capsule camera test introduced to detect bowel cancer

Mark Freeman became the first patient to swallow a tiny camera to check for signs of bowel cancer when the new service was launched at Medway Maritime Hospital on Wednesday 28 October.

Traditionally, patients with symptoms that may indicate bowel cancer are referred for a colonoscopy. This involves a long, thin flexible tube with a light and camera at one end being passed into the bowel through the bottom to check for signs of disease. The procedure can require sedation, be uncomfortable and see patients staying in hospital for a few hours afterwards.

But thanks to the introduction of the colon capsule endoscopy, suitable patients can now be referred directly by their GP for the minimally invasive test, helping them access investigations more quickly and reducing the need for more invasive procedures.

After swallowing the camera, which comes in the form of a capsule no bigger than a standard vitamin tablet, the patient can go about their normal day while the capsule takes between five and eight hours to travel through their system, taking two images per second.

Clinical staff then download the images from a data recorder worn around the patient’s waist, so the high resolution images can be analysed to identify signs of cancer and other conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

Once the camera has passed through the body it can be flushed away.

Patient Mark Freeman sitting in a chair holding up the tiny camera in one hand and a cup of water in the other.

Mr Freeman, 65, from Walderslade, said: “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when they contacted me to say I was eligible for the new service, but the staff explained the procedure to me extremely well on the day and the whole process was very straightforward and pain-free.

“Four years ago I underwent a traditional colonoscopy. Not only did I have to be sedated for it I was also in hospital for six hours. Whereas with the camera, the procedure from start to finish took about an hour. Once I’d swallowed the capsule I was also able to go home and carry on with my normal day which was just fantastic.

“I would like to thank the staff for their care and attention and for making the experience stress free. It really is quite amazing that technology like this is available for patients like me.”

While the cutting-edge technology may be small it will make a big difference to patients as it is expected to help reduce waiting times for diagnostic tests, improve the patient experience and support earlier detection of bowel cancer.

A close up of a clinical member of staff's hands holding the camera capsule in a plastic case.

James Hatfield, Head of Nursing for Specialist Medicine, said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to improve the experience of our patients and continue developing the care our teams provide.

“Traditional bowel investigations can be uncomfortable for some patients and often require a longer stay in hospital. This technology offers a less invasive alternative, allowing patients to continue much of their normal day while the capsule captures detailed images of the bowel.

“The introduction of colon capsule endoscopy will help more patients access diagnostic tests quickly and safely, supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment where needed.

“As always, we encourage anyone experiencing symptoms that could indicate cancer to contact their GP as soon as possible as we know early detection and treatment can help improve outcomes and potentially save lives.”

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