title: Initial experience with capsule endoscopy at a major referral hospital.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Department, St, Australia. Vincent's Hospital, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia. chonga@svhm.org.au
authors.forename: André K H
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Andrew C F
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Ashley M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Paul V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Desmond
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules