Optimal preparation for small bowel examinations with video capsule endoscopy.
BACKGROUND
Video capsule endoscopy is a major advance for small bowel exploration. Although the clinical benefit is well accepted, there are still unresolved issues concerning patient preparation.


OBJECTIVE
This study was set up in order to clarify the clinical benefit of small bowel preparation and give advices in order to obtain the best results for this expensive device.


METHODS
116 patients were randomised in 3 centres between two preparations from the traditional liquid diet versus polyethylene glycol colonoscopy-like preparation. External viewer monitoring and recording pictures were focused on image quality, bubbles or diet residues. Picture qualities were assessed blindly.


RESULTS
For jejunal exploration no differences were noticed between the two preparations but for the ileum, polyethylene glycol preparation gives significant better results than liquid diet: air bubbles (64.4% versus 29.8% p<0.05); opaque residue (83.1% versus 38.6% p<0.05). External viewer was useful in order to use prokinetic drugs in case of delayed gastric emptying.


CONCLUSIONS
The result leads to a new advice for colleagues in handling patients in order to improve the diagnosis yield by using a modified polyethylene glycol preparation.
Rey
J-F
JF
Institut Arnault Tzanck, Saint Laurent du Var, France. Jean-francois.rey@wanadoo.fr
Repici
A
A
Kuznetsov
K
K
Boyko
V
V
Aabakken
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D053704:Capsule Endoscopy; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum; D007583:Jejunum; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
D002400:Cathartics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols