title: Outcomes after symptomatic capsule retention in suspected small bowel obstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Capsule endoscopy (CE) has been proven to be a sensitive and a safe tool for the examination of the small bowel. However, careful patient selection is required to avoid complications, primarily capsule retention. The aims of this study were to evaluate the rate of capsule retention in patients with suspected chronic small bowel obstruction and to analyze the role and the impact of subsequent surgical intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients referred for CE with a clinical picture suggestive of chronic small bowel obstruction and with negative imaging studies were retrospectively analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Capsule retention occurred in three (20%) patients who developed symptoms of subacute obstruction and subsequently underwent surgery. Radiation enteritis, Crohn's disease, and an ileal tumor were demonstrated as the causes of the capsule retention in these patients. Surgical removal of the retained capsule was performed and the underlying small bowel disease was treated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Capsule retention is a frequent complication of CE in patients with symptoms of chronic small bowel obstruction. Surgery, with the removal of the retained capsule, is proven to be beneficial in identifying the location of, and treating, the underlying disease in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 'Gr. T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania. anamaria.singeap@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ana-Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Singeap
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trifan
authors.forename: Camelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cojocariu
authors.forename: Catalin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sfarti
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stanciu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D053705:Capsule Endoscopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D053704:Capsule Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004751:Enteritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007078:Ileal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D007421:Intestine, Small; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult