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Wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice
John J Napierkowski1, Corinne L Maydonovitch, Lavern S Belle
1Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. John.Napierkowski@us.army.mil
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|December 16, 2004
Summary
Wireless capsule endoscopy is a safe and effective tool for community gastroenterologists, identifying significant abnormalities in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. This diagnostic method provides valuable insights in non-specialized settings.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Limited data exists on wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) use by community gastroenterologists.
- Most WCE experience reported is from specialized referral centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility and safety of wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) in a community gastroenterology practice.
- To assess the diagnostic yield of WCE for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in a community setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of wireless capsule endoscopies performed at a community hospital.
- Analysis of 99 WCE procedures, with complete data available for 72 cases.
Main Results:
- Obscure GI bleeding was the indication in 97% of cases; 55% of patients were on anti-platelet/anticoagulant therapy.
- Pathologic findings included angioectasias (36%), gastritis/erosions (21%), and bleeding (18%).
- One complication (transient bowel obstruction due to non-excretion) occurred, managed conservatively.
Conclusions:
- Wireless capsule endoscopy is a safe diagnostic tool in community gastroenterology settings.
- WCE demonstrates a significant rate of abnormality detection in patients evaluated for obscure GI bleeding.