Retained PillCam, failed retrieval

Hi all! Back in September, I did the PillCam endoscopy which was pain free although it become stuck somewhere in the small intestine due to previously undiagnosed structure. Fast forward to today, still no major pain or blockages (thankfully). I underwent an attempt at retrieval via balloon enteroscopy this morning to no avail. Doc informs me that they went as far as they could go- 12 feet, to be exact. The only option now is surgery for removal and resection. My questions are regarding recovery time and process. I understand it's done laparoscopically, which I've had done for non-Crohn's reasons. How long should I expect to be out of work following resection surgery? Fwiw, I'm healthy, active, and typically bounce back quickly. What restrictions should I expect!

Thanks for taking the time to read/offer any advice; it's much appreciated!

I would get a second opinion from someone skilled in enteroscopy or push endoscopy which are designed to reach where regular endoscopies cannot.

I'm guessing it would be six weeks of light duty. I'm not totally sure though.

steve55 said:

I would get a second opinion from someone skilled in enteroscopy or push endoscopy which are designed to reach where regular endoscopies cannot.

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Hi Steve! The GI doc that tried was a specialist I was sent to by my normal GI doc. He used balloon enteroscopy in his attempt to remove it (and intended to expand the stricture); it has an extended scope that goes to 12 feet but the stricture he was trying to reach (where PillCam is stuck) was beyond that. To try and approach it from the lower end was discussed but he felt that stricture would not allow for easy removal.

Hello! I'm not entirely sure if you're still looking for info, but I can share my experience with recovery from resection surgery in case you are.

I had no complications and recovered quite quickly, despite being in a less than optimal nutritional state. I remained in the hospital for just over a week. Around three weeks after the surgery, I felt able to do most things (take a bus, light work, see a film, etc.) and felt only minor pains, although I still felt a bit weak. I followed the surgeon's advice and refrained from too strenuous exercise or lifting for six weeks, as cmack said. After that, I felt no or very minor restrictions and felt able to exercise and exert myself a bit more.

As far as I am aware, this was a perfectly normal time frame for recovery from laparotomy without complications. I believe laparoscopy may have similar or even shorter recovery times. I imagine that you may find that you need to give yourself a bit longer if you have a more strenuous job. You would be the best judge, of course.

Hope that helps, or hope you are recovering well if you've already had the surgery!

Hi mamalana,

How are you doing?

cmack said:

Hi mamalana,



How are you doing?

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I'm well, thanks! So newest update is that my primary GI wants to try to avoid surgery by having yet another specialized try to remove PillCam via Doubke Balloon Enteroscopy. The problem is that the location for procedure is less than ideal from my home and is extremely inconvenient. I'm hoping my doc will allow me to wait until June as I work in a school and have no more time off!

Hi mamalana,

I'm happy to hear from you. I hope things go as well as possible.

How are things going?

PillCam was removed without complication (other than to my wallet)! Glad it's done and gone! Thanks for checking!

Hi mamalana,

Great news! Sorry to hear about the bill, that really sucks. I'm sure glad they got the darn thing out.


Keep in touch bud,

cmack