Benefits
PillCam capsule endoscopy is the most widely used, patient-friendly tool for direct visualization of the GI tract. To date, more than 1,200,000 patients worldwide have benefited from PillCam endoscopy.
In PillCam capsule endoscopy the patient swallows a PillCam video capsule that is the size of a large vitamin. The capsule then passes through the digestive system, transmitting images and data wirelessly to a DataRecorder worn by the patient. Once the procedure has been completed, the images are reviewed by a physician.
PillCam capsule endoscopy offers a simple, safe and non-invasive alternative to traditional imaging procedures. The procedure does not require sedation, intubation, bowel insufflation or radiation. Patients may even continue with their normal daily activities during the procedure.
In addition, the Agile™ patency capsule provides a simple and convenient means to verify functional patency of the GI tract in patients with known or suspected strictures.
Risks
PillCam capsule endoscopy is not for everyone. PillCam video capsules are contraindicated in patients with: known or suspected gastrointestinal obstructions; strictures or fistulas; cardiac pacemakers or other implantable electromedical devices; and swallowing disorders.
Agile patency capsules are contraindicated in patients with swallowing disorders. The Agile Patency Scanner is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers or other implanted electromedical devices.
Capsule retention has been reported in less than two percent of all capsule endoscopy and patency procedures. Capsule retention is defined as having a capsule that remains in the digestive tract for more than two weeks.
Causes of retention cited in the literature include: NSAID strictures, Crohn’s disease, small bowel tumors, intestinal adhesions, ulcerations, and radiation enteritis. Summaries in published literature identify the risk of retention for obscure bleeding to be 1.5%; for suspected Crohn’s disease to be 1.4%; for known Crohn’s disease the risk is higher at 5%; and for neoplastic lesions, the rate of retention is 2.1%; as compared to healthy volunteers.1,2 To verify passage of the capsule from the GI tract, an abdominal X-ray may be obtained at the discretion of the physician.
There is a rare risk of capsule aspiration while patients are attempting to swallow a PillCam video capsule or Agile patency capsule. There is also a low risk of skin irritation from the SensorArray sleeve adhesive or silicone exposure.
Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur.
The PillCam SB video capsule and/or the Agile patency capsule may be administered by using transendoscopic delivery in patients who are either unable to ingest the capsule or are known to have slow gastric emptying. If using transendoscopic delivery, potential complications include, but are not limited to: perforation, hemorrhage, aspiration, fever, infection, hypertension, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrhythmia or arrest.
All medical procedures carry some risks. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor about your specific diagnosis and treatment.
References
1Cave et al. Endoscopy 2005; 37: 1065-1067.
2Zhuan et al. GI Endoscopy 2010; 71: 280-286.