Safety and efficacy of the patency capsule

The patency capsule is an effective diagnostic method for preventing video capsule retention in the small bowel during capsule endoscopy. The most frequently associated complication when using the patency capsule is symptomatic retention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of patency capsules administered to patients at a tertiary care hospital center.

A retrospective observational study was conducted that included all the patients with confirmed Crohn's disease that were administered a patency capsule, within the time frame of January 2019 and December 2020. PC diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated, in relation to capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy findings. Complications associated with the patency capsule were also identified.

Thirty patients were included, in whom the patency capsule had 83% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 96% negative predictive value, with a diagnostic yield of 96.7%. There was one complication (3.3%) and it resolved spontaneously.

The patency capsule is a safe and effective method for reducing video capsule retention during capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease.