Comparing Colon Capsule Endoscopy to colonoscopy; a symptomatic patient’s perspective

Abstract

Background Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) has proven efficacy in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have assessed patient-reported outcomes and preference between colonoscopy and CCE. Methods Patients from our centre who had both a CCE and colonoscopy within a 12-month period were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort, and overall preference with a 10-point Likert scale. Electronic records were reviewed; reported Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale (GCS) score, sedation, bowel preparation and endoscopist grade were documented. Data was compared between procedures. A Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions and a Student t-test was used to compare means, a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results In all, 40 patients were identified, 57.5% (23/40) were female and the mean age was 48 years (24–78). All patients were referred for investigation of lower gastrointestinal symptoms as part of an ongoing study [Endosc Int Open. 2021;09(06):E965–70]. There was a significance difference in mean comfort (9.2 vs 6.7, p < 0.0001, 95% CI − 3.51 to − 1.44) but not satisfaction (8.3 vs 7.7, p = 0.2, 95% CI − 1.48 to 0.33) between CCE and colonoscopy. Main cause of dissatisfaction with CCE was bowel preparation and for colonoscopy was discomfort. Age and gender were not found to be variables. The correlation between GCS and patient reported values was weak (R = − 0.28). Overall, 77.5% (31/40) of patients would prefer a CCE if they required further bowel investigation. Of these, 77.4% (24/31) preferred a CCE despite the potential need for follow-up colonoscopy. Conclusions CCE has a high satisfaction rating (8.3 vs 7.7) and has a higher patient reported comfort rating (9.2 vs 6.7) than colonoscopy. Studies have confirmed CCE and colonoscopy have equivalent diagnostic yields. The majority of patients in our cohort prefer CCE to colonoscopy. CCE should be considered as an alternative to colonoscopy in selected individuals.

Advances in colon capsule endoscopy: a review of current applications and challenges

“…CCE does appear to be more acceptable than colonoscopy (21,22,27,(74)(75)(76)(77)(78). A recent interim analysis asked over 14,000 participants in a CRC screening programme (prior to their FIT result) whether they would prefer CCE or colonoscopy, with 50% choosing CCE versus 9% choosing colonoscopy (22).…”

“…Tolerability was significantly higher for CCE and it was not clear to the authors why this did not translate into a preference for this modality. Disadvantages of CCE reported include longer wait time for results, unfamiliarity with the technology and the need for further procedures if pathology is detected (74,79).…”

Colon Capsule Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Colon Polyps: Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

“…A recent study assessing the symptomatic patient perspective showed that the main cause of patient dissatisfaction with CCE was bowel preparation. Interestingly, 77.5% of patients would prefer a CCE if they required further bowel investigation (over a colonoscopy) [ 96 ]. In a large meta-analysis assessing the adverse events of video capsule endoscopy (including CCE), the adverse-event rate was shown to be very low [ 97 ].…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Radio Channel Characteristics Using Anatomically Realistic Gastrointestinal Simulation Model

“…To address this challenge, capsules are activated after a certain amount of time after swallowing, depending on whether the goal is to investigate the small intestine or colon. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Already a decade ago, researchers have recognized that ultra wideband (UWB) technology could provide several advantages for WCE, such as high-resolution images and high data rates, while also being low-power and reliable [9]. Since then, propagation in the context of UWB capsule endoscopy has been studied actively [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”