Bowel preparation increases the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

The aim of this study was to determine the value of small-bowel preparation for patients undergoing capsule endoscopy.

The study design was prospective, randomized, and controlled. Eighty patients referred for capsule endoscopy were randomized into two equal groups. Patients in Group A (mean age 54.40 [15.65] years) ingested 2 L of a polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution 16 hours before the test, whereas patients in Group B (mean age 59.85 [14.58] years) prepared for the procedure by taking only clear liquids during the prior day. The primary outcome evaluated was the effect of bowel preparation on the quality of capsule images, as assessed with an objective scoring system in which cleansing was graded as "adequate" or "inadequate" by blinded examiners. A secondary outcome was the effect of bowel preparation on diagnostic yield. For this purpose, the results of capsule endoscopy were classified as positive findings, findings of uncertain significance, and no findings.

Cleansing of the small intestine was considered "adequate" in 36 patients in Group A (90%) vs. 24 patients of Group B (60%) (p = 0.004). A diagnosis was established in 26 patients in Group A (65%) compared with 12 patients in Group B (30%) (p = 0.003).

Bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy improves visualization of the small intestine, which may lead to an improvement in diagnostic yield.