Use of video capsule endoscopy in the setting of recurrent subacute small-bowel obstruction

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) can be used to diagnose subacute intestinal obstruction in patients with otherwise negative imaging studies.

Nine patients with symptoms consistent with intermittent small-bowel obstruction who received a VCE and ultimately required surgical intervention.

Patients were identified who had symptoms consistent with subacute bowel obstruction and a negative diagnostic work-up prior to VCE. All 9 patients underwent several radiologic and endoscopic examinations with no clear etiology for their symptoms. Ultimately, in every case, a stricture or mass was found to be the cause of the obstruction at either the time of VCE or exploratory laparotomy/laparoscopy.

Patients can have a small-bowel stricture or mass that can cause symptoms of subacute small-bowel obstruction. Diagnosis of the lesion may be difficult in these patients and can often result in multiple nondiagnostic radiologic and endoscopic examinations. VCE can be helpful in finding these lesions, leading to surgical resection of the diseased bowel and a cure for the patient's signs and symptoms.