Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Structured Approach to Colonoscopy Technique Optimization: A Single-Center Experience with Novice Endoscopists
Published on: July 11, 2025
Current Practices and Perspectives on Video Capsule Endoscopy in Germany: Findings from a nationwide survey of
Paul-Christoph Zeisler1, Dominik Bettinger1, Peter Hasselblatt1
1Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Department of Medicine II, Germany, Freiburg.
Background And Study Aims:
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is an established approach for small bowel (SB) examination. In 2022, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) updated its guideline on VCE use. However, little is known about guideline implementation in daily clinical practice.
Methods:
Between June and August 2025, we performed a nationwide online survey on VCE use in Germany. A questionnaire was distributed to gastroenterologists in Germany performing VCE in in- or outpatient settings.
Results:
The main indications for VCE were SB bleeding and iron deficiency anaemia. In 2024, most physicians (48.2%, 82/170) performed 10 to 30 VCE procedures, mainly using the Pillcam system. In patients with active SB bleeding VCE was performed promptly. For elective cases, the waiting time for VCE was typically no more than two weeks (86 %, 141/164).
Results:
Nearly all participants (99.4%, 156/157) used laxatives for bowel preparation. VCE interpretation is time-intensive, with most participants (34.8%, 55/158) requiring 31 to 45 minutes per case. Overall, participants considered VCE to be a valuable diagnostic tool; however, reimbursement was widely perceived as inadequate.
Conclusion:
This first nationwide study on the use of VCE in Germany shows that VCE remains a niche diagnostic tool with relatively few procedures per centre. Despite time-intensive interpretation and perceived inadequate reimbursement waiting times are generally short.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy