Utility of capsule endoscopy in gastroenterology practice: A single-center experience

Abstract

Background and Aims: Capsule endoscopy is an easy and a non-invasive diagnostic tool used in evaluation of gastrointestinal tract. Despite being a valuable diagnostic method, widespread use has not been established in Türkiye. With this study, we aimed to report our single-center experience with capsule endoscopy in order to both reveal our data and utility of capsule endoscopy in gastroenterology practice. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Patients evaluated by capsule endoscopy between 2018 and 2024 were included in the study. Results: Thirty one patients were included in the study. Most common indications were overt bleeding with suspicion of small bowel bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. Angiodysplasias were the most common finding in both overt bleeding with suspicion of small bowel bleeding and iron deficiency anemia groups (n = 3, 33% for both indications). Ulcers in small intestine were the most common finding in patients with abdominal pain (n = 5, 62%). All of the four patients with Crohn’s disease evaluated for disease activity had ulcers in small intestine. Out of 31 patients enrolled in the study, capsule endoscopy did not reveal an underlying condition related to clinical indication in 8 patients (26%). Conclusion: Capsule endoscopy is a valuable tool in evaluating gastrointestinal disorders ranging from obscure bleeding to inflammatory bowel diseases. Accessibility of capsule endoscopy devices and training of gastroenterologists will help the healthcare team with diagnostic challenges in gastroenterology practice.