{"id":7628,"date":"2026-04-10T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7628"},"modified":"2026-04-10T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T14:30:00","slug":"new-capsule-endoscopy-option-for-easier-gi-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7628","title":{"rendered":"New capsule endoscopy option for easier GI screening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-04-10T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

A more comfortable, convenient screening experience at Durham VA<\/h2>\n

Veterans at the Durham VA Health Care System<\/a> now have access to a groundbreaking gastrointestinal (GI) screening technology, a capsule endoscopy that transforms the way GI testing is performed.<\/p>\n

Durham VA<\/a> is proud to be the first VA facility nationwide to offer this innovative procedure, giving Veterans the ability to complete their gastrointestinal screening from the comfort of their own homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing the first to try this new procedure is exciting,\u201d said Howard Frisinger, Marine Veteran. \u201cThe best part is that I can go home and still have the rest of my day to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

How the capsule works<\/h2>\n

Veterans simply swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin pill. Inside is a tiny camera that safely travels through the digestive tract, capturing up to 50,000 high-resolution images transmitted to a wearable recorder.<\/p>\n

For Veterans managing iron deficiency or unexplained blood loss, this technology eliminates the anxiety and disruption often associated with GI procedures. There\u2019s no need for sedation, and unlike traditional scopes, the capsule\u2019s 12-hour recording time allows physicians to examine areas of the small intestine previously inaccessible.<\/p>\n

This approach is far more comfortable and convenient than traditional methods.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad didn\u2019t have to go under anesthesia or worry about being uncomfortable,\u201d said Sherri Frisinger, Howard\u2019s daughter. \u201cI\u2019m excited that the capsule camera lets doctors see places they never could before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Improving access and comfort<\/h2>\n

\u00a0Dr. Ziad Gellad emphasizes that this advancement expands access to care for Veterans who face travel challenges or sedation risks, while improving the detection of unreachable intestinal issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur main goal in introducing this new version of endoscopy is to give Veterans a safer, more convenient way to care for their health,\u201d said Gellad. \u201cWith the capsule camera, we\u2019re removing barriers; no sedation, no long hospital stays and no travel challenges. This innovation means Veterans can complete a critical GI screening in the comfort of their own homes while still getting the same high-quality results. It\u2019s a game-changer for access and peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quick results, less stress<\/h2>\n

After the capsule completes its journey, Veterans return the recorder. Physicians review the images promptly, and results are shared without requiring a hospital visit.<\/p>\n

As the first Veteran to try the capsule camera, Frisinger expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this innovative treatment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel great,\u201d said Frisinger. \u201cThe capsule was so easy to swallow, just like taking a vitamin. The whole process was simple and stress-free, knowing that the doctors are getting the images they need.<\/p>\n

A new era of care for Veterans<\/h2>\n

Durham VA continues to lead the way in delivering advanced, Veteran-centered care, making procedures easier, safer and more accessible for those who served. This innovation is more than a medical breakthrough\u2014it\u2019s a step toward giving Veterans control, comfort and less worries.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Durham VA is the first VA facility to offer a capsule endoscopy that allows Veterans to complete GI screening at home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":103,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nNew capsule endoscopy option for easier GI screening - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Durham VA is the first VA facility to offer a capsule endoscopy that allows Veterans to complete GI screening at home.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7628\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"New capsule endoscopy option for easier GI screening - 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