[Capsule endoscopy--a new method for the diagnosis of diseases of the small intestine].

BACKGROUND

Diseases of the small intestine are rare and often difficult to diagnose because of a lack of sensitive methods. A new technique called wireless capsule endoscopy has recently been developed; it allows visualisation of the entire small intestinal surface.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The patient swallows a capsule containing a small digital camera, a battery and a radio transmitter. The capsule takes 2 pictures per second during its passage through the intestines; pictures are transferred by radio signals that are detected by sensors on the abdominal skin, stored on a data recorder and later analysed on a PC.

RESULTS

By the end of November 2003 we had performed 80 capsule endoscopies in 69 patients. All patients were referred because of suspected small bowel disease and had been through an extensive diagnostic workup before capsule endoscopy was performed. Most of them were referred because of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or iron deficiency anaemia. Small bowel pathology was found in one third of the patients.

INTERPRETATION

Capsule endoscopy seems to be a major improvement in the diagnosis of small intestinal diseases. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure.