Initial experience with capsule endoscopy at a major referral hospital

OBJECTIVES: To determine the utility of capsule endoscopy in patients referred for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single centre, prospective, cohort study from 4 July 2001 to 8 September 2002. PATIENTS: Sixty consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy for investigation of suspected disease of the small intestine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Abnormal findings at capsule endoscopy. RESULTS: Examination of the entire small bowel was achieved in 46/60 patients (77%). Thirty-two of 47 patients (68%) referred with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding had positive findings. Seven of nine patients (78%) referred for investigation of suspected Crohn's disease had small bowel erosions or ulcers consistent with Crohn's disease. The capsule was not passed in one patient. CONCLUSION: Capsule endoscopy is a novel, minimally invasive and useful tool for the investigation of the small intestine.