Wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the use of wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice.


BACKGROUND
Experience with wireless capsule endoscopy at referral centers has been reported, but little has been reported about community gastroenterologists' experience.


METHODS
A retrospective review of charts and wireless capsule endoscopies performed at a community hospital was performed.


RESULTS
A total of 99 wireless capsule endoscopies were reviewed and complete data were available in 72 cases. Indications included suspected obscure GI bleeding in 97% of cases; 55% of patients were taking anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications; 71% of examinations were complete. Pathologic findings included angioectasias (36%), gastritis/erosions (21%), bleeding (18%), small bowel ulcers (16%), duodenitis (7%), and small bowel erosions (6%). Strictures, Crohn's disease, and tumors were each seen in 3%. There were no abnormal findings in 37%. One complication, nonnatural excretion of the capsule, caused a transient bowel obstruction but passed without endoscopic intervention or surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
In a community-based gastroenterology setting, wireless capsule endoscopy is a safe tool that shows abnormalities in a significant proportion of exams.
Napierkowski
John J
JJ
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. John.Napierkowski@us.army.mil
Maydonovitch
Corinne L
CL
Belle
Lavern S
LS
Brand
William T
WT
Holtzmuller
Kent C
KC
D000368:Aged; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008904:Miniaturization; D012189:Retrospective Studies