Capsule Retentions and Incomplete Capsule Endoscopy Examinations
Author Information
Author(s): Höög Charlotte M., Bark Lars-Åke, Arkani Juan, Gorsetman Jacob, Broström Olle, Sjöqvist Urban
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institute
Hypothesis
To evaluate capsule endoscopy in terms of incomplete examinations and capsule retentions and to find risk factors for these events.
Conclusion
Capsule endoscopy is considered a safe procedure, although obstructive symptoms and serious complications due to capsule retention can be found in a large series of patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Capsule retention occurred in 1.3% of patients.
- Older age, male gender, and known Crohn's disease were risk factors for incomplete examinations.
- The PillCam capsule had the highest rate of completed examinations.
- Severe obstructive symptoms were reported in seven patients with capsule retention.
- Three patients died due to complications related to capsule retention.
Takeaway
Doctors used a tiny camera to look inside people's stomachs, and sometimes the camera gets stuck, but it's usually safe.
Methodology
This retrospective study included data from 2300 capsule enteroscopy examinations performed at four different hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden from 2003 to 2009.
Potential Biases
The study may have bias due to missing data from some centers.
Limitations
Complete data on all patients undergoing CE were only possible to obtain from Centers 1 and 2, which performed 85% of all the CE examinations.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 51 years (range 2–99 years) and 57% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Confidence Interval
1.08–1.67
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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