Capsule endoscopy

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In gastroenterology, capsule endoscopy is a gastrointestinal endoscopy that "non-invasive, endoscopic imaging by use of video capsule endoscopes to perform examination of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the small bowel."[1]

Technology

The core technology is a video camera and lights that transmit to antennas wrapped around the body. Beyond this, however, newer capsules contain accelerometers and gyroscopes that can time and track its passage through the body. [2]

Clinical benefits

The benefit of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of gastrointestinal hemorrhage is uncertain according to a randomized comparison to diagnostic imaging.[3]

Potentially, the ability of the capsule to track its speed and direction can provide information on gastrointestinal mobility at a level not available from other modalities.

Risks

It is possible that a partial occlusion of the gastrointestinal tract could entrap the capsule. This is not a risk with virtual colonoscopy, and, with traditional colonoscopy, the examiner could recover immediately.

References

  1. Anonymous (2024), Capsule endoscopy (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  2. Colin S. McCaffery, Olivier Chevalerias, Cian O’Mathuna, and Karen Twomey (2008), "Swallowable-Capsule Technology", Pervasive Computing
  3. Laine L, Sahota A, Shah A (2010). "Does capsule endoscopy improve outcomes in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding? Randomized trial versus dedicated small bowel radiography.". Gastroenterology 138 (5): 1673-1680.e1; quiz e11-2. DOI:10.1053/j.gastro.2010.01.047. PMID 20138043. Research Blogging.