Health
A Colonoscopy Cam Is Coming to a Hospital Near You

A Colonoscopy Cam Is Coming to a Hospital Near You

1 minute read

Given Imaging-FDA Approval — This undated image provided by Given Imaging, shows the new bite-size camera to help screen patients who have trouble with colonoscopies. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the device for patients who have had trouble with the cringe-inducing colonoscopy procedure, which involves probing the large intestine with a tiny camera embedded in a four-foot long, flexible tube. (AP Photo/Given Imaging)AP

February 10, 2014 4:16 PM EST

The FDA gave a pill-sized camera that can replace colonoscopies the green light on Monday.

The PillCam Colon from Given Imaging contains a battery-operated camera that, once swallowed, takes pictures of its journey through the body. The images are sent to a device the patient wears around the waist, and doctors can later review the photos, the Associated Press reports.

The FDA approved the device for people who struggle with traditional colonoscopies, which typically consist of the doctor inserting a long and thin flexible tube with a small camera up through the large intestine. About 750,000 Americans are unable to complete their colonoscopy each year due to issues related to disease or anatomy, the AP reports.

Here’s to less poking and prodding.

[AP]

More Must-Reads from TIME

Cybersecurity Experts Are Sounding the Alarm on DOGE
Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
Michelle Zauner Stares Down the Darkness