| Theme |
An algorithm for finding and treatment of small intestinal disease -- DBE and CE |
| Title |
Capsule endoscopy developed by Given Imaging Ltd. |
| Author |
Tetsuya Nakamura |
Department of Endoscopy, Dokkyo Medical University |
| Author |
Takeshi Oinuma |
Department of Gastroenterology, Dokkyo Medical University |
| Author |
Hidetsugu Yamagishi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Dokkyo Medical University |
| Author |
Hideyuki Hiraishi |
Department of Gastroenterology, Dokkyo Medical University |
| Author |
Akira Terano |
The President, Dokkyo Medical University / The President, Dokkyo Group of Academic Institutions |
| [ Summary ] |
Capsule endoscopy (CE) is swallowable, disposable miniature video capsule for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. CE allows the patient to swallow a pillsized camera that captures images of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as it goes through the body, instead of using traditional tube like endoscopes. Given® Imaging Ltd. (Yoqneam, Israel) developed the PilICam™ SB for the small intestine, the PillCam™ ESO for the esophagus and the PillCam™ COLON for the colon. More than 500,000 worldwide patients have benefited from the PillCam™ CE especially, the PillCam™ SB. Soon the PillCam™ SB will be approved for use in Japan. The PillCam™ COLON has been approved for sale in the European Union. The primary indication for the PillCam™ SB is to observe obscure GI bleeding, which is defined as the absence of an identified source of recurrent or persistent GI bleeding after standard evaluation by upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Generally, CE is very well tolerated by patients. However, there are some problems such as capsule retention. Retention is defined as having a CE remain in the digestive tract for of two weeks or more. Retention rates have been reported to be 1 - 2 %. Diagnosis with CE depends on the analysis of recorded images. CE can be used to perform neither biopsies or for endoscopic treatment. On the other hand, double balloon endoscopy (DBE) developed by Yamamoto et al. allows endoscopic observation as well as biopsy and treatment. Collaboration of CE (PillCam™ SB) and DBE will lead to better outcomes for patients suffering from diseases of the small intestine. |