title: Complications of capsule endoscopy.
abstract: Capsule endoscopy is generally a safe procedure with few complications. Clinically significant complications including symptomatic capsule retention and aspiration occur in less than 2% of examinations. There is currently no accepted means of accurately predicting or preventing capsule retention. A modified capsule has recently been developed to determine patency in patients who have possible strictures. Incomplete small bowel examinations occur in 15% of examinations. After risk stratification, various pharmacologic and endoscopic adjuncts can be employed to minimize this complication. Technical complications occur most commonly early in a center's experience and decrease as experience with the device increases. Implanted cardiac devices are no longer an absolute contraindication to the examination but should be conducted after multidisciplinary consultation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, 6 Central Suite, Burlington, MA 01805, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Ann Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Joyce
mesh_terms: D053704:Capsule Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors