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Initial experience with capsule endoscopy at a major referral hospital
André K H Chong1, Andrew C F Taylor, Ashley M Miller
1Gastroenterology Department, St, Australia. Vincent's Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia. chonga@svhm.org.au
Objectives:
To determine the utility of capsule endoscopy in patients referred for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine.
Design And Setting:
Single centre, prospective, cohort study from 4 July 2001 to 8 September 2002.
Patients:
Sixty consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine.
Main Outcome Measures:
Abnormal findings at capsule endoscopy.
Results:
Examination of the entire small bowel was achieved in 46/60 patients (77%). Thirty-two of 47 patients (68%) referred with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding had positive findings. Seven of nine patients (78%) referred for investigation of suspected Crohn's disease had small bowel erosions or ulcers consistent with Crohn's disease. The capsule was not passed in one patient.
Conclusion:
Capsule endoscopy is a novel, minimally invasive and useful tool for the investigation of the small intestine.