Video capsule endoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
The small bowel has been a difficult organ for gastroenterologists to evaluate. Small bowel radiographs and CT scanning have not had a high diagnostic rate, especially in patients presenting with small bowel bleeding. The video capsule "endoscope" has allowed for the direct visualization of the small bowel mucosa. This new technique provides direct viewing of the entire small bowel much like conventional endoscopy.


RESULTS
A series of studies have shown that video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is superior to barium radiography studies, CT scanning, and push enteroscopy for diagnosing disorders of the small bowel. Numerous case reports of angioectasias, Crohn disease, small bowel tumors, and other small bowel disorders have been reported. A recent study proposes that VCE helped to direct therapy and had a great impact in patient care.


CONCLUSIONS
Capsule endoscopy provides higher rates and more accurate diagnosis of small bowel diseases. The future of this technology could improve the ability to visualize the small bowel and improve the treatment of patients with small bowel disorders.
Keroack
Myles
M
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. mkeroack@partners.org