[CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY: THE HISTORY AND PROSPECTS FOR DEVELOPMENT]

The review is focused on recent publications concerning examination of patients with gastroenterological pathology and the use of capsule endoscopy for diagnostics ofsmall bowel diseases. It is shown that radiological methods and enteroscopy are second line diagnostic tools while capsule endoscopy becomes the method ofchoice for the detection of latent gastrointestinal bleeding, tumours, Crohn's disease, and other enteropathies. The advantages of capsule enteroscopy include high effectiveness, atraumaticity, low frequency of complications and possibility to conduct studies without anesthesia. Much attention is given to indications and contraindicationsfor capsule endoscopy and methods of patient preparationfor this procedure.