Retention during capsule endoscopy: Is it a real problem in routine practice?

Ormeci A. C., Akyuz F., Baran B., Gokturk S., ÖRMECİ T., Pinarbasi B., ...More

Journal of International Medical Research, vol.44, no.4, pp.968-975, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 44 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0300060516645420
  • Journal Name: Journal of International Medical Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.968-975
  • Keywords: Capsule endoscopy, capsule retention, small bowel, patency capsule
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the risks and outcomes of capsule retention during capsule endoscopy (CE) for investigating small bowel disease. Capsule retention is the most serious complication of CE. Methods: Before CE, the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated for blockages with computerized tomography. Analysis of CE was made retrospectively. Results: Capsule endoscopy was used to investigate obscure bleeding (90.2%; n = 324) or other symptoms (9.8%; n = 35). The capsule retention rate was 11/359 (3.1%); it was retained in a malignant lesion area (adenocarcinoma or melanoma) in two patients (18.2%), in the small bowel in an ulcerated area in five patients (45.5%), and in the oesophagus/stomach in four patients (36.4%) due to dysmotility. None of the patients had symptoms of obstruction. Conclusions: Scanning patients before CE did not predict capsule retention. Retention is a complication of CE, but occurs as a result of the underlying disease. The risk of retention is increased in patients with motility disorders, suspected small bowel ulcers or malignancies.