Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:33
A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction
Published on: March 5, 2018
Small bowel obstruction by wireless enteroscopic capsule and unrecognized intestinal stricture
Hadi Najafian1, Camille Eyvazzadeh
1St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA.
The American Surgeon
|January 16, 2007
Summary
A swallowed wireless enteroscopy capsule (WEC) caused a small bowel obstruction in a patient with prior bowel surgery. This highlights the need for careful patient selection and monitoring for WEC retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- The wireless enteroscopy capsule (WEC) is an approved tool for noninvasive small bowel visualization.
- Patients with a history of bowel resection and anastomosis may present unique risks when undergoing WEC procedures.
Observation:
- A previously healthy male patient with a history of bowel resection and anastomosis ingested a WEC.
- The patient subsequently developed symptoms of small bowel obstruction.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration revealed the WEC lodged proximal to an anastomotic stricture site, causing the obstruction.
- The stricture at the anastomosis was identified as the critical factor leading to the WEC impaction.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of thorough patient history and physical examination prior to WEC use.
- Vigilant follow-up and ensuring successful WEC retrieval are essential to prevent complications like bowel obstruction.
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