Double-balloon endoscopy as the primary method for small-bowel video capsule endoscope retrieval

Capsule retention in the small bowel is a known complication of small-bowel video capsule endoscopy. Surgery is the most frequently used method of capsule retrieval.

To determine the incidence and causes of capsule retention and to describe double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) as the primary technique used for capsule retrieval.

Retrospective analysis of all video capsule studies was performed at our center, and evaluation of the outcome of DBE was the first method used to retrieve entrapped video capsules.

Tertiary referral center.

A total of 904 patients who underwent small-bowel video capsule endoscopy.

Capsule retrieval by DBE.

The number of patients in whom capsule retention occurred and the number of patients in whom an entrapped capsule could be retrieved by using DBE.

Capsule retention occurred in 8 patients (incidence 0.88%; 95% CI, 0.41%-1.80%) and caused acute small-bowel obstruction in 6 patients. All retained capsules were successfully removed during DBE. Five patients underwent elective surgery to treat the underlying cause of capsule retention. One patient required emergency surgery because of multiple small-bowel perforations.

Retrospective design.

In our series, the incidence of capsule retention was low. DBE is a reliable method for removing retained capsules and might prevent unnecessary surgery. If surgery is required, preoperative capsule retrieval allows preoperative diagnosis, adequate staging in case of malignancy, and optimal surgical planning.