Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Robotic Duodenum-preserving Total Pancreatic Head Resection for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Published on: April 17, 2026
Value of the patency capsule in pre-evaluation for capsule endoscopy in cases of intestinal obstruction
Wei Zhang1, Ze Long Han, Yang Cheng
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
Objective:
Patency capsule (PC) is a tool to screen the patency of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Capsule endoscopy can be performed after the patency is confirmed by the patency capsule. We aimed to estimate the diagnostic value of PC based on the existing trials.
Methods:
We searched PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE for studies that included patients with suspected small bowel stricture who were evaluated by both PC and a reference standard (following capsule endoscopy and/or surgical pathology and/or endoscopic findings) and who were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were calculated.
Results:
Five studies including 203 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The pooled data showed a PC sensitivity of 97% (95% CI 93-99%) and a specificity of 83% (95% CI 65-94%). The AUROC was 0.9557.
Conclusions:
PC may be of diagnostic value in confirming the patency of the GI tract before capsule endoscopy. The routine use of PC might eliminate the contraindication of capsule endoscopy in many cases of intestinal obstruction.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...