A case of asymptomatic aspiration of a capsule endoscope with a successful resolution.
Aspiration is a very rare complication of capsule endoscopy, but it is potentially life-threatening and should be considered an emergency requiring immediate intervention since it can evolve into major airway compromise and obstructive pneumonitis. We experienced a case of asymptomatic aspiration of a capsule in a 75-year-old man. The aspirated capsule was diagnosed on routine chest and abdomen X-rays to confirm its position after ingestion. The capsule was removed via bronchoscopy using a net, without sequelae, after inducing the patient to cough. To prevent this complication, a thorough history of swallowing disorders is needed before capsule ingestion, and patients with swallowing difficulties should have the capsule placed in the duodenum endoscopically. Moreover, on capsule aspiration, cough induction is the most effective method of capsule removal.
Choi
Hyun Sook
HS
Institute for Digestive Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Jin-Oh
JO
Kim
Hyun Gun
HG
Lee
Tae Hee
TH
Kim
Wan Jung
WJ
Cho
Won Young
WY
Cho
Joo Young
JY
Lee
Joon Seong
JS