[Capsule endoscopy--the past, presence, and future]

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a safe non-invasive method for the examination of the small intestine and terminal oesophagus. Examination is well tolerated by most of the patients. Due to the possibility to assess mucosa of the small intestine in details, capsule endoscopy has the diagnostical yield higher than other available methods. It is effective namely for study of obscure bleeding, celiac disease and Crohn's disease. Capsule endoscopy is aimed at the longterm follow up of patients with Barrett's oesophagus, however, the costs are higher than using gastroscopy. Capsule retention represents the most serious and practically the only complication of the examination which frequently requires surgical treatment. The future of capsule endoscopy depends on the next development of the technology.