Initial experience with capsule endoscopy at a major referral hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the utility of capsule endoscopy in patients referred for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine.


METHODS
Single centre, prospective, cohort study from 4 July 2001 to 8 September 2002.


METHODS
Sixty consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine.


METHODS
Abnormal findings at capsule endoscopy.


RESULTS
Examination of the entire small bowel was achieved in 46/60 patients (77%). Thirty-two of 47 patients (68%) referred with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding had positive findings. Seven of nine patients (78%) referred for investigation of suspected Crohn's disease had small bowel erosions or ulcers consistent with Crohn's disease. The capsule was not passed in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Capsule endoscopy is a novel, minimally invasive and useful tool for the investigation of the small intestine.
Chong
André K H
AK
Gastroenterology Department, St, Australia. Vincent's Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia. chonga@svhm.org.au
Taylor
Andrew C F
AC
Miller
Ashley M
AM
Desmond
Paul V
PV
D002214:Capsules; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007421:Intestine, Small; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014741:Video Recording
D002214:Capsules