Procedure Deep Dive
Pediatric Capsule Endoscopy
A swallowed or placed camera capsule images the entire small intestine, where standard scopes cannot reach.
The small intestine is hard to see with upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Capsule endoscopy uses a vitamin-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the small bowel.
Dr. Mendez coordinates the entire study: candidacy review, prep, placement, image review, and a follow-up visit to walk families through the findings and next steps.
Conditions & concerns we address
Obscure GI Bleeding
Bleeding without a clear source on upper or lower endoscopy.
Suspected Crohn's Disease
Small bowel involvement that scopes can't reach.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Unexplained anemia with suspected small bowel source.
Polyposis Syndromes
Surveillance of the small bowel in genetic polyp conditions.
Chronic Abdominal Pain
Select cases where small bowel pathology is suspected.
Protein-Losing Symptoms
Evaluation for small bowel sources of protein loss.
How Dr. Mendez approaches care
- Candidacy review including swallowing ability and obstruction risk.
- Patency capsule first when small bowel narrowing is a concern.
- Swallowed or endoscopically placed capsule based on age and ability.
- Detailed image review by Dr. Mendez personally.
- Follow-up visit to explain findings and plan next steps.
Signs it's time for a consultation
- Unexplained GI bleeding or iron-deficiency anemia.
- Suspected Crohn's disease with normal upper and lower scopes.
- A known polyposis syndrome needing small bowel surveillance.
- An outside recommendation for capsule study where you want concierge coordination.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.