ESGE HEADLINE NEWS N°5

The importance of video capsule endoscopy

J.-F. Rey, ESGE President

Synopsis

Capsule endoscopy is an important new tool in the diagnosis of small-bowel diseases. Routine diagnosis of small-bowel abnormalities was previously difficult with all of the imaging methods available – endoscopy, conventional radiography, arteriography, scintigraphy, and even enteroclysis. Capsule endoscopy is based on an image sensor – a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) – that is incorporated into a tiny, swallowable device, which includes a light source, an optical lens, a battery, and a transmitter). The procedure is easy to perform, has few contraindications, and is well accepted by patients.

The main clinical indications are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, suspected inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, and drug-induced disorders. The examination method also for the first time makes it possible to diagnose small-bowel tumors.

Capsule endoscopy has a bright future, with further areas of diagnosis being envisaged in the esophagus and perhaps the colon. It is expected that a steerable capsule or even a drug delivery device may become possible in the near future.

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References

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