Changes in Indications and Diagnostic Rates of Capsule Endoscopy in a Single Center / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate changes with time in indications for capsule endoscopy examinations (CEs) and diagnostic rates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 425 CEs (417 patients), which were done for several different indications between March 2003 and May 2009. Indications, bowel cleansing, complete CEs, and diagnostic rates were compared between the first half (2003~2005) and the second half (2006~2009) of the study period. RESULTS: Overt bleeding and occult bleeding, respectively, accounted for 31% and 5.8% in the first half; and 45.4% and 12.4% in the second half. The differences were significant (p<0.05). Other indications were significantly decreased in the second half compared to the first half (29.6% and 7.7% respectively). Bowel cleansing was considered "adequate" in 48% in the first half vs. 61.6% in the second half (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in complete CE rates. There was a significant difference in diagnostic rates between the first half and the second half (23.8% and 43.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative experience and knowledge with CEs has led to an increased number of CEs for obscure bleeding and a decreased number of CEs for other indications in which the role of CEs was unclear. Improved diagnostic rates of CEs were accompanied by these changes in CEs indications.