A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Timing of Preparation for Capsule Enteroscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Procedures
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Intestinal lavage (IL) timing relative to capsule enteroscopy (CE) impacts procedure effectiveness.
• Previous findings suggest immediate pre-procedural IL is superior to day-before IL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of intestinal lavage timing on capsule enteroscopy diagnostic yield.
• To compare same-day versus day-before IL administration for CE.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized trial comparing two groups (A and B) of patients undergoing CE.
• Group A received IL 14 hours before CE; Group B received IL 4 hours before CE.
• Preparation quality assessed using a validated grading scale; diagnostic yield and mucosal abnormality detection were primary outcomes.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in diagnostic yield (47% vs. 53%, p=NS) or detection of mucosal abnormalities (77% vs. 82%, p=NS) between groups.
• Preparation quality, including fluid transparency and mucosal visibility, showed no significant association with IL timing.
• Study included 34 randomized patients.

Conclusions:

• Day-before intestinal lavage is equivalent to same-day administration for capsule enteroscopy.
• Both IL timings result in comparable preparation quality and diagnostic yield.
• The timing of IL does not significantly affect CE outcomes.