[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.

[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)

[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.

[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.

[Psalm 73]

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

[JoeProBono]

[Rockingham]

That’s a relief. I have been stalling on the obligatory colonoscopy in the hope that the camera pill would be approved.

[Paladin2]

Going to the hospital is dangerous from both germs and from getting knocked out.

[Williams]

I know people who had this years ago. It’s kind of old news.

[The Great RJ]

I have had several colonoscopies and other than the prep it is no worse than having your teeth cleaned. My last colonoscopy I didn’t even have to drink that gallon of colon flush...just two small bottles of magnesium citrate. The prep can be made even easier if you stick to a clear liquid diet 24 hours before starting the prep. I lost my Mother to colon cancer so I know the importance of having this exam done.

[Williams]

Having had a few colonoscopies I think it’s sad this article says it is such a “feared” procedure. It’s no big deal, as some here mentioned the “sleep” they induce is rather enjoyable. I have never been able to tell that any procedure was done when I wake up. (Ok except a slight amount of gas sometimes that’s it).

[McGruff]

If you like your colonoscopy you can keep it. Period.