Longest duration of retention of video capsule: A case report and literature review

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a safe innovative tool for investigating obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease and other small bowel pathologies. The capsule is usually excreted with faeces within 24-48 h. Retention of capsule rarely occurs, and it usually depends on the indication of VCE. The longest reported case of capsule retention in the literature is 2.5 years. Surgical approach is considered effective to retrieve the retained capsule. We present a case of asymptomatic retention of capsule for four and half years in a 49-year-old man who underwent VCE to explore the cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. It was successfully retrieved endoscopically. We will also briefly review the literature regarding the causes, different presentations and management of capsule retention.