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Capsule impaction presenting as acute small bowel perforation: a case series
Giovanni D De Palma1, Stefania Masone, Marcello Persico
1Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale, Geriatrica ed Endoscopia Diagnostica ed Operativa, Centro di Eccellenza per l'Innovazione Tecnologica in Chirurgia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Medicina e Chirurgia, Naples, Italy. giovanni.depalma@unina.it.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|May 5, 2012
Summary
Capsule endoscopy impaction causing perforation is rare. This report details two cases of small bowel perforation due to undiagnosed strictures, highlighting the need for patient risk awareness.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Capsule endoscopy impaction leading to perforation is an exceedingly rare event, with only five prior documented cases.
- Undiagnosed small bowel strictures represent a potential risk factor for capsule endoscopy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two novel cases of acute small bowel perforation secondary to capsule endoscopy impaction in patients with previously unrecognized stenotic lesions.
- To emphasize the importance of informing patients about the rare but serious risks associated with capsule endoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing two patients who experienced acute small bowel perforation after capsule endoscopy.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and surgical intervention for capsule-induced perforation.
Main Results:
- Two patients with undiagnosed ileal stenosis (adenocarcinoma and Crohn's stricture) developed small bowel perforation after capsule endoscopy.
- Both patients required emergent surgery for capsule retrieval and management of perforation.
Conclusions:
- Small bowel stenosis is a critical predisposing factor for capsule endoscopy-related perforation.
- Informed consent is crucial, explicitly mentioning the risk of emergency surgery following capsule endoscopy.
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