Improved capsule endoscopy after bowel preparation

Gastrointest Endosc. 2005 Jan;61(1):28-31. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(04)02444-7.

Abstract

Background: The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy depends on the quality of visualization of the small-bowel wall and complete passage through the small bowel. This study examined the effect of bowel preparation on the volume of intestinal content and on small-bowel transit.

Methods: Sixty-one consecutive patients (34 men, 27 women; mean age 56 years, range 17-88 years) were enrolled in the study. Although not randomized, 33 patients received a bowel preparation, and 28 had no preparation. Gastric emptying, small-bowel transit time, overall preparation assessment, and bowel-wall visualization were evaluated by 3 investigators who were unaware of whether the patient had undergone bowel preparation.

Results: Small-bowel transit time was significantly shorter in patients with bowel preparation (median 213 minutes: 95% CI[190, 267]) than in those without preparation (median 253 minutes: 95% CI[228, 307]) (p <0.01). The capsule reached the cecum in 97% of patients in the bowel-preparation group, compared with 76% in the nonpreparation group (p=0.02). Bowel preparation improved the quality of visualization significantly; this effect was more pronounced in the distal small bowel.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that bowel preparation accelerates small-bowel capsule transit and leads to a higher rate of complete capsule endoscopy. Visualization of the small bowel was improved by bowel preparation. Bowel preparation before capsule endoscopy is recommended.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Transit / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Intestine, Small / drug effects*
  • Intestine, Small / pathology
  • Intestine, Small / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Preoperative Care
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Surface-Active Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Polyethylene Glycols