A new generation of endoscopic capsule is now available in local leading hospitals, providing patients with a more accurate and targeted check, doctors said.

They added the new capsules, which are swallowed, are especially helpful to patients who cannot endure a normal endoscope due to age, disease, allergy or other risks.

“We can have a more careful check on key places or places suspected with problems by controlling the capsule, while patients don’t feel any pain or discomfort,” said Dr Zhu Jinshui, director of gastroenterology department at Shanghai No.6 People’s Hospital.

The cost was about 3,300 yuan (US$485) covered by medical insurance, he added, while the price for anesthetic gastroscopy or colonscopy was about 2,000 yuan.