title: Wireless capsule endoscopy in a community gastroenterology practice.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. John.Napierkowski@us.army.mil
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Napierkowski
authors.forename: Corinne L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Maydonovitch
authors.forename: Lavern S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Belle
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: Kent C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Holtzmuller
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008904:Miniaturization; D012189:Retrospective Studies