Multidimensional Optimization of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy With Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation: A...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Acupuncture and Electrotherapy

Background:

• Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is a crucial diagnostic tool.
• Bowel preparation for SBCE can be associated with gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs).
• Optimizing SBCE preparation is essential for diagnostic yield and patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) during SBCE bowel preparation.
• To assess TEA's impact on gastrointestinal AEs, gastric transit time (GTT), visualization quality, and patient acceptability.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized controlled trial involving outpatients scheduled for SBCE.
• Participants received either TEA at ST36 acupoints or sham stimulation during split-dose polyethylene glycol bowel preparation.
• Primary outcome: incidence of gastrointestinal AEs; Secondary outcomes: AE severity, visualization quality, GTT, and lesion detection.

Main Results:

• TEA significantly reduced the overall incidence and severity of gastrointestinal AEs, including nausea and bloating (p < 0.004).
• TEA significantly improved small bowel visualization quality scores (p = 0.003 for entire, p = 0.030 for distal).
• TEA significantly shortened GTT (p < 0.001) and enhanced patient comfort and acceptability (p < 0.027).

Conclusions:

• Transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) is an effective adjunct for SBCE bowel preparation.
• TEA significantly mitigates gastrointestinal AEs, accelerates GTT, and improves visualization quality.
• TEA is a safe, well-tolerated intervention that optimizes the SBCE procedure.