Clinical impact of capsule endoscopy on patients with suspected small bowel bleeding: Experience at a highly specialized hospital in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Capsule endoscopy is part of the diagnostic approach to patients with suspected small bowel bleeding and data on its clinical impact are still limited in developing countries. The primary aim of the present study was to determine its impact on subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that included all the patients that underwent capsule endoscopy with the PillCam™ SB 3 Capsule system due to suspected small bowel bleeding treated at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Valle del Lili between January 2011 and December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean patient age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52-74), 53.6% of the patients were women, and high blood pressure was the most frequent comorbidity (43.7%). The main indication was overt bleeding (58.2%). Of all the capsule endoscopies carried out, 63.9% showed lesions that were potentially responsible for bleeding. Medical or surgical treatment was indicated in 63.3% of the case total. Rebleeding at 6 months occurred in 15 patients and there were 2 deaths due to gastrointestinal bleeding at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy has a high impact on patients with suspected small bowel bleeding, with respect to clinical decision-making, as well as rebleeding, hospitalization, and mortality outcomes. The positivity rate of lesions potentially responsible for bleeding was similar to that reported in developed countries.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of Computed Tomography Colonography, Optical Colonoscopy, and Colon Endoscopic Capsule for the Detection of Polyps After Partial Colectomy or Rectosigmoidectomy for Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Background and objective Optical colonoscopy is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and it allows for biopsy and resection, as well as documentation of synchronous lesions. CT colonography (CTC) and colon endoscopic capsule (CEC) are also recommended as alternative minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures. Prospective studies comparing these three approaches are scarce in the current literature. In light of this, the aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of polyp detection between these three methods in patients with a history of curative surgical resection of CRC. Methods Patients were consecutively recruited and all procedures were sequentially conducted on the same day. The primary endpoint was the detection rate of polyps, whereas secondary endpoints were the detection of polyps according to size and location, and the adverse events caused by these procedures. Results A total of 21 patients were consecutively included and all of them underwent all three interventions. No adverse events, local recurrences, or metachronous lesions were detected. In two cases with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CTC unveiled distant metastasis. Optical colonoscopy registered a mean of 0.4 polyp >6 mm and 1.3 polyps <6 mm per patient. CTC unveiled only 0.5 polyp >6 mm/patient and no smaller lesions were documented, whereas findings for the colon capsule comprised an average of 0.4 polyps >6 mm and 0.7 polyps <6 mm per patient. Statistical difference was not demonstrated, except for virtual colonoscopy in terms of the total number of polyps detected in comparison to optical colonoscopy. Conclusions Optical colonoscopy showed superior results in comparison to virtual colonoscopy while there was no statistical difference in comparison to colon capsule. Notwithstanding occasional difficulties, all three techniques were well tolerated. Hence, decisions concerning the use of each diagnostic method should be based on their availability, professional expertise, contraindications, and patient preferences.

Revealing the Boundaries of Selected Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Organs by Implementing CNNs in Endoscopic Capsule Images.

PURPOSE: The detection of where an organ starts and where it ends is achievable and, since this information can be delivered in real time, it could be quite important for several reasons. For one, by having the practical knowledge of the Wireless Endoscopic Capsule (WEC) transition through an organ's domain, we are able to align and control the endoscopic operation with any other possible protocol, i.e., delivering some form of treatment on the spot. Another is having greater anatomical topography information per session, therefore treating the individual in detail (not "in general"). Even the fact that by gathering more accurate information for a patient by merely implementing clever software procedures is a task worth exploiting, since the problems we have to overcome in real-time processing of the capsule findings (i.e., wireless transfer of images to another unit that will apply the necessary real time computations) are still challenging. This study proposes a computer-aided detection (CAD) tool, a CNN algorithm deployed to run on field programmable gate array (FPGA), able to automatically track the capsule transitions through the entrance (gate) of esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon, in real time. The input data are the wireless transmitted image shots of the capsule's camera (while the endoscopy capsule is operating). METHODS: We developed and evaluated three distinct multiclass classification CNNs, trained on the same dataset of total 5520 images extracted by 99 capsule videos (total 1380 frames from each organ of interest). The proposed CNNs differ in size and number of convolution filters. The confusion matrix is obtained by training each classifier and evaluating the trained model on an independent test dataset comprising 496 images extracted by 39 capsule videos, 124 from each GI organ. The test dataset was further evaluated by one endoscopist, and his findings were compared with CNN-based results. The statistically significant of predictions between the four classes of each model and the comparison between the three distinct models is evaluated by calculating the p-values and chi-square test for multi class. The comparison between the three models is carried out by calculating the macro average F1 score and Mattheus correlation coefficient (MCC). The quality of the best CNN model is estimated by calculations of sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Our experimental results of independent validation demonstrate that the best of our developed models addressed this topological problem by exhibiting an overall sensitivity (96.55%) and specificity of (94.73%) in the esophagus, (81.08% sensitivity and 96.55% specificity) in the stomach, (89.65% sensitivity and 97.89% specificity) in the small intestine and (100% sensitivity and 98.94% specificity) in the colon. The average macro accuracy is 95.56%, the average macro sensitivity is 91.82%.

Inusual hallazgo en paciente cirrótico con anemia crónica e hipereosinofilia usando cápsula endoscópica: a propósito de un caso (video) / Unusual finding in cirrhotic patient with chronic anemia and hypereosinophilia using an endoscopic capsule: a case report (video)

We report a clinical case from a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis who had chronic anemia and carried out several endoscopic studies without evidence of active bleeding, a complementary study with endoscopic capsule was requested to search for a source of bleeding. In the analysis of laboratory data, the presence of hypereosinophilia stands out in parallel. The images obtained in the video capsule study show geoparasites helminth-type. After parasite treatment, anemia improves and the absolute eosinophil count is normalized.

Reportamos el caso de un paciente cirrótico por alcohol con anemia crónica quien se realizó varios estudios endoscópicos sin evidencia de sangrado activo, por tal motivo se solicitó estudio complementario con cápsula endoscópica para búsqueda de fuente de sangrado. En el análisis de los datos de laboratorio paralelamente destaca la presencia de hipereosinofilia. Las imágenes obtenidas en el estudio de la video cápsula muestran varios geoparásitos de tipo helmintos. Posterior al tratamiento antiparasitario mejora la anemia y se normaliza el recuento absoluto de eosinófilos.

Tracking and Dynamic Tuning of a Wireless Powered Endoscopic Capsule.

This work presents an inductive wireless power transfer system for powering an endoscopy capsule supplying energy to power electronic devices allocated inside a capsule of ≈26.1 mm × 9 mm. A receiver with three coils in quadrature with dimensions of ≈9 mm × 9 mm × 10 mm is located inside the capsule, moving freely inside a transmitter coil with 380 mm diameter through translations and revolutions. The proposed system tracks the variations of the equivalent magnetic coupling coefficient compensating misalignments between the transmitter and receiver coils. The power on the load is estimated and optimized from the transmitter, and the tracking control is performed by actuating on a capacitance in the matching network and on the voltage source frequency. The proposed system can prevent load overheating by limiting the power via adjusting of the magnitude of voltage source VS. Experimental results with uncertainties analysis reveal that, even at low magnetic coupling coefficients k ranging from (1.7 × 10-3, 3.5 × 10-3), the power on the load can be held within the range of 100-130 mW. These results are achieved with any position of the capsule in the space, limited by the diameter of the transmitter coil and height of 200 mm when adjusting the series capacitance of the transmitter in the range (17.4, 19.4) pF and the frequency of the power source in the range (802.1, 809.5) kHz.

Retención de videocápsula endoscópica, una nueva enfermedad médico-quirúrgica: serie de casos.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic video capsule (EVC), a minimally invasive method of study of the gastrointestinal system indicated in occult gastrointestinal bleeding, has as main complication the retention of endoscopic capsule (CR), currently it is managed with direct extraction using double-balloon enteroscopy; however, when it fails due to its location or associated pathologies, the surgical intervention results in the most successful approach. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics and management of patients with video capsule endoscopy retention. METHOD: From January 2001 to December 2018, a retrospective search was carried out in three centers, of patients with CR diagnosis, clinical variables and approach were evaluated, in addition to a critical review of the literature. RESULTS: 15 patients with a diagnosis of CR (eight 8 women and seven men), average age 65 (range: 45-77). Seven required surgical management, three endoscopic and five medical management. CONCLUSIONS: The CR is a new pathology of low prevalence, the surgical management resulting from a second therapeutic line when the removal of the VCE has not been possible endoscopically, this pathology requires special attention in the patient's medical history and symptoms for diagnosis and management.

ANTECEDENTES: La videocápsula endoscópica (VCE), método mínimamente invasivo de estudio del sistema gastrointestinal indicado en hemorragia digestiva oculta, tiene como principal complicación la retención de la cápsula endoscópica (RCE). Actualmente se maneja con extracción directa empleando enteroscopia de doble balón; sin embargo, cuando falla por su localización o por patologías asociadas, la intervención quirúrgica resulta el método de mayor éxito. OBJETIVO: Evaluar las características clínicas y el manejo de pacientes con RCE. MÉTODO: De enero de 2001 a diciembre de 2018 se realizó un búsqueda retrospectiva, en tres centros, de pacientes con diagnóstico de RCE. Se evaluaron variables clínicas y de manejo, y además se realizó una revisión crítica de la literatura. RESULTADOS: Se hallaron 15 pacientes con diagnóstico de RCE (ocho mujeres y siete hombres), con una edad promedio de 65 años (rango: 45-77). Siete requirieron manejo quirúrgico, tres manejo endoscópico y cinco manejo médico. CONCLUSIONES: La RCE es una patología nueva de baja prevalencia. El manejo quirúrgico resulta ser una segunda línea terapéutica cuando la extracción de la VCE no ha sido posible endoscópicamente. Para su diagnóstico y manejo, esta patología requiere una especial atención a la historia clínica, los antecedentes y los síntomas de los pacientes.

A Proposed Clinical Evaluation of a Simulation Environment for Magnetically-Driven Active Endoscopic Capsules.

Background A simulation environment for magnetically-driven, active endoscopic capsules (Abu-Kheil Y, Seneviratne L, Dias J, A simulation environment for active endoscopic capsules. 2017 IEEE 30th international symposium on Computer Based Medical Systems (CBMS), Thessaloniki, pp 714-719, 2017), can perform four main operations: capsule tele- operation, tracking of a specific region of interest, haptic feedback for capsule navigation and virtual reality navigation.Methods The main operations of the simulation environment can be clinically evaluated. In this paper, we proposed a clinical evaluation for the main functions of the simulation environment. There main testing procedures for the navigation strategies are proposed; i) vision-based tele-operation, ii) vision/haptic-based navigation without head control, and iii) vision/haptic-based navigation with head control. The navigation ways can be compared with each other in terms of introduction time, visualization and procedure comfort. Human-subject studies are to be conducted in which 20 students and 12 expert gastroenterologists participated.

Experiencia con videocápsula endoscópica en el estudio y diagnóstico de enfermedades del intestino delgado en un hospital de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia / Experience with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in the study and diagnosis of small bowel diseases in a tertiary hospital in Medellín, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: el intestino delgado (ID) es un órgano difícil de estudiar debido a su gran tamaño y ubicación anatómica; los estudios endoscópicos convencionales (esofagogastroduodenoscopia y colonoscopia) no logran evaluarlo en su totalidad y la enteroscopia con balón es más invasiva, con mayores efectos adversos y tasas de complicaciones. La videocápsula endoscópica (VCE) es una tecnología mínimamente invasiva que permite visualizar de forma dinámica y completa la mucosa del ID; es el método directo más seguro y con menos tasas de complicaciones. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, para describir la experiencia clínica en la utilización de la VCE en un hospital de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia; asimismo, determinar las indicaciones, síntomas más comunes y hallazgos anormales. Resultados: se realizaron 374 VCE en el período de estudio: 282 ambulatorias (75,4 %) y 92 hospitalizados (24,6 %). En ambos grupos la indicación más frecuente fue sangrado digestivo oscuro (38,65 % y 53,26 %, respectivamente), seguidos por anemia crónica en el 27,65 % de ambulatorios y por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) en 21,74 % de los hospitalizados. Los hallazgos anormales fueron más frecuentes en el yeyuno y las lesiones más comunes fueron angiodisplasias y lesiones inflamatorias. Conclusiones: en las indicaciones más frecuentes (sangrado digestivo oscuro y anemia) se documentaron potenciales fuentes de sangrado en más del 70 % de los casos; siendo las lesiones vasculares e inflamatorias los hallazgos más comunes. En seguimiento o evaluación de EII se documentaron en más del 50 % lesiones inflamatorias. La VCE es muy segura, no se presentó ninguna complicación relacionada con la VCE.

Abstract Introduction: The small intestine is a difficult organ to study due to its large size and anatomical location. Conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy cannot evaluate the entirety of the small intestine and balloon enteroscopy is more invasive, has more adverse effects, and has higher complication rates. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a minimally invasive technology that allows a dynamic and complete view of the mucosa of the small intestine. It is the safest direct method which has the lowest complication rates. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study that describes clinical experience in the use of VCE at a highly complex hospital in Medellin, Colombia. It also describes the indications for VCE, and the most common symptoms and abnormal findings. Results: VCE was used to study 282 outpatients (75.4%) and 92 hospitalized patients (24.6%) during the study period. In both groups, the most frequent indication was obscure digestive bleeding (38.65% and 53.26% respectively), followed by chronic anemia in 27.65% of outpatients, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 21.74% of hospitalized patients. Abnormal findings were more frequent in the jejunum, and the most common lesions were angiodysplasias and inflammatory lesions. Conclusions: Potential sources of bleeding were documented in more than 70% of the cases of the most frequent indications which were obscure digestive bleeding and anemia. Vascular and inflammatory lesions were the most common findings. In follow-up evaluation of IBD, inflammatory lesions were documented in more than 50% of the cases. VCE is very safe, and there were no complications related to the VCE.

Hemangioma cavernoso como causa de hemorragia digestiva oculta manifiesta: reporte de caso / A Case Report of Cavernous Hemangioma as a Cause of Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Resumen Se realizó un estudio descriptivo tipo reporte de caso de un paciente valorado por el servicio de gastroenterología en la Clínica Nuestra en la ciudad de Cali, por sospecha de sangrado digestivo oculto cuyos estudios previos no habían mostrado causa de sangrado. Se realizó videocápsula endoscópica (MiroCam®) con un hallazgo positivo de lesión en el intestino delgado. Se llevó a enteroscopia en Clínica Farallones de la Ciudad de Cali con enteroscopio Olympus 180 Q que confirmó el hallazgo. Ulteriormente, se llevó a cirugía, en la que se confirmó el diagnóstico. Los datos y las fotografías se obtuvieron en bases de datos de los servicios de endoscopia y las fotos de patología se obtuvieron del registro del médico patólogo. Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed sobre literatura existente de historia clínica y reportes de casos similares.

Abstract This is a descriptive study based on the case report of a patient suspected of occult gastrointestinal bleeding who was evaluated by the gastroenterology service in Clínica Nuestra in Cali. Previous studies had not shown cause of bleeding. Video endoscopy (Mirocam) found a lesion in the small intestine. Enteroscopy at performed at Clínica Farallones in Cali with an Olympus 180 Q enteroscope confirmed the finding. Surgery further confirmed the diagnosis. Data and photographs were obtained from the database of endoscopy services and the pathology photos were obtained from the pathologist's registry. A literature review based on a Pubmed search of the existing literature on clinical histories and reports of similar cases is included.

A non-rigid map fusion-based direct SLAM method for endoscopic capsule robots.

Since the development of capsule endoscopy technology, medical device companies and research groups have made significant progress to turn passive capsule endoscopes into robotic active capsule endoscopes. However, the use of robotic capsules in endoscopy still has some challenges. One such challenge is the precise localization of the actively controlled robot in real-time. In this paper, we propose a non-rigid map fusion based direct simultaneous localization and mapping method for endoscopic capsule robots. The proposed method achieves high accuracy for extensive evaluations of pose estimation and map reconstruction performed on a non-rigid, realistic surgical EsophagoGastroDuodenoscopy Simulator and outperforms state-of-the art methods.

A deep learning based fusion of RGB camera information and magnetic localization information for endoscopic capsule robots.

A reliable, real time localization functionality is crutial for actively controlled capsule endoscopy robots, which are an emerging, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technology for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study, we extend the success of deep learning approaches from various research fields to the problem of sensor fusion for endoscopic capsule robots. We propose a multi-sensor fusion based localization approach which combines endoscopic camera information and magnetic sensor based localization information. The results performed on real pig stomach dataset show that our method achieves sub-millimeter precision for both translational and rotational movements.

Retención de cápsula endoscópica en un paciente con sospecha de enfermedad de Crohn / Endoscopic capsule retention in a patient with clinical suspicion of Crohn's disease

The endoscopic capsule is classically used in the study of occult bleeding, but has recently been shown to be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of Crohn's disease. The retention of the capsule is the most frequent complication related to its use. We report the case of a 30-year-old male patient with recurrent abdominal pain and suspected Crohn's disease. A procedure with a video endoscopic capsule was performed; twelve hours after its ingestion, the patient goes to the emergency department due to worsening of the pain. Abdominal and pelvic CT demonstrates multiple areas of segmental parietal thickening of the ileum and a metallic foreign body in an area of stenosis corresponding to the retained endoscopic capsule. It evolves with persistent pain despite pharmacological therapy. Subsequently it is extracted by enteroscopy. The indications and risks of the use of the endoscopic video capsule, and the clinical and imaging factors predictive of retention are discussed.

La video cápsula endoscópica se utiliza clásicamente en el estudio de sangrado oculto, pero últimamente se ha demostrado su utilidad en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la enfermedad de Crohn. La retención de la cápsula es la complicación más frecuente relacionada a su uso. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 30 años con dolor abdominal recurrente y sospecha de enfermedad de Crohn. Dentro del estudio se le realiza una video cápsula endoscópica; doce horas posteriores a su ingesta consulta en el servicio de urgencia por empeoramiento del dolor. La tomografía computada de abdomen y pelvis demuestra múltiples áreas de engrosamiento parietal segmentarias del íleon y un cuerpo extraño metálico en un área de estenosis, correspondiente a la cápsula endoscópica retenida. Evoluciona con persistencia del dolor pese a la terapia farmacológica. Posteriormente se procede a su extracción mediante enteroscopia. Se discuten las indicaciones y riesgos del uso de la video cápsula endoscópica, y los factores clínicos e imagenológicos predictores de retención.

A simple and inexpensive enteric-coated capsule for delivery of acid-labile macromolecules to the small intestine.

Understanding the ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and the impact of the contents on the host mucosa is emerging as an important area for defining both wellness and susceptibility to disease. Targeted delivery of drugs to treat specific small intestinal disorders such as small bowel bacterial overgrowth and targeting molecules to interrogate or to deliver vaccines to the remote regions of the small intestine has proven difficult. There is an unmet need for methodologies to release probes/drugs to remote regions of the gastrointestinal tract in furthering our understanding of gut health and pathogenesis. In order to address this concern, we need to know how the regional delivery of a surrogate labeled test compound is handled and in turn, if delivered locally as a liquid or powder, the dynamics of its subsequent handling and metabolism. In the studies we report on in this paper, we chose (13)C sodium acetate ((13)C-acetate), which is a stable isotope probe that once absorbed in the small intestine can be readily measured non-invasively by collection and analysis of (13)CO2 in the breath. This would provide information of gastric emptying rates and an indication of the site of release and absorptive capacity. In a series of in vitro and in vivo pig experiments, we assessed the enteric-protective properties of a commercially available polymer EUDRAGIT(®) L100-55 on gelatin capsules and also on DRcaps(®). Test results demonstrated that DRcaps(®) coated with EUDRAGIT(®) L100-55 possessed enhanced enteric-protective properties, particularly in vivo. These studies add to the body of knowledge regarding gastric emptying in pigs and also begin the process of gathering specifications for the design of a simple and cost-effective enteric-coated capsule for delivery of acid-labile macromolecules to the small intestine.

Flexible and capsule endoscopy for screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Endoscopy dates back to the 1860s, but many of the most significant advancements have been made within the past decade. With the integration of robotics, the ability to precisely steer and advance traditional flexible endoscopes has been realized, reducing patient pain and improving clinician ergonomics. Additionally, wireless capsule endoscopy, a revolutionary alternative to traditional scopes, enables inspection of the digestive system with minimal discomfort for the patient or the need for sedation, mitigating some of the risks of flexible endoscopy. This review presents a research update on robotic endoscopic systems, including both flexible scope and capsule technologies, detailing actuation methods and therapeutic capabilities. A future perspective on endoscopic potential for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures is also presented.

Retention of an endoscopic capsule.

Capsule endoscopy is a highly advanced, newer technology to look for small bowel diseases. But it has certain contraindications such as bowel narrowing, strictures that have to be ruled out on Barium studies or with computed tomography. We present a rare case of retention of endoscopic capsule even after ruling out stricture or bowel thickening on radiological imaging.

Assessing the speed of kill of hookworms, Ancylostoma caninum, by Advantage Multi ® for Dogs using endoscopic methods.

Endoscopic capsules and endoscopy were used to assess the speed of kill and the clearance of hookworms in dogs experimentally infected with Ancylostoma caninum. A total of four adult dogs were inoculated in two separate cohorts comprised of two 4-year-old females and two 7-year-old males. Dogs were treated topically with Advantage Multi(®) for Dogs 13 days (Cohort 1) or 16 days (Cohort 2) after infection. Endoscopic imaging of the small intestine was carried out both pre- and post-treatment. Examination of the first cohort revealed that the worms had been cleared and the hookworm-induced lacerations were markedly diminished within 48 h of treatment. In the second cohort, endoscopic capsules were given the day of, the day after, and two days after treatment; within 24h of product administration, the worms had been removed with a concurrent reduction in observed lesions. Topical application of Advantage Multi(®) for Dogs rapidly removed worms from the small intestine of the dogs in this study as early as 24h post-treatment, with a marked reduction in the number of mucosal lesions seen.

8 años de cápsula endoscopica: progresos y retos / 8 years of capsule endoscopy: progresses and challenges

Desde su introducción en el año 2001, la cápsula endoscópica (CE) ha cambiado el diagnóstico y manejo de la patología del intestino delgado. Evaluar la utilidad clínica de la CE en pacientes con sospecha de enfermedad de intestino delgado. Pacientes a quienes se les realizó CE desde octubre 2001 hasta abril 2009 en dos centros médicos: La Policlínica Metropolitana y el Centro Médico de Caracas. Cápsulas utilizadas: M2A y PillCam SB (Given Imaging). Se registraron datos demográficos, indicaciones, vaciamiento gástrico y tránsito intestinal, hallazgos y complicaciones. 339 pacientes, 180 hombres-159 mujeres. Edad promedio: 56,04 años. Indicaciones: hemorragia digestiva oscura (n=217), diarrea crónica (n=22), enfermedad de Crohn (20), búsqueda de tumores (n=30), dolor abdominal (n=29), enfermedad celíaca (n=5), misceláneos (n=16). Se encontraron lesiones en 78,8% de los pacientes. Hallazgos: angiectasias 28,3%, erosiones 28,6%, úlceras 12,5%, sangrado activo 8% y tumores subepiteliales 4,2%. Al correlacionar los hallazgos con las indicaciones se encontró un porcentaje de concordancia significativo en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oscura y enfermedad de Crohn. Complicaciones: obstrucción intestinal (n=1), retención (n=6). La CE es un método mínimamente invasivo, bien tolerado, con pocas complicaciones y porcentaje elevado de detección de lesiones, que parece posicionarse para guiar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de patologías como el sangrado digestivo oscuro y la enfermedad de Crohn. Pudimos adaptarnos a la plataforma tecnológica como usuarios y prepararnos para los nuevos avances que se avecinan, creemos que es el momento para dar inicio a un programa de entrenamiento en CE...

Since its introduction in 2001, the endoscopic capsule (EC) has changed the diagnosis and management of small bowel pathology. Objective: To evaluate the clinical benefi t of EC in patients with suspected small bowel disease. Patients who underwent EC from October 2001 to April 2009 at two medical centers, Policínica Metropolitana and Centro Médico de Caracas. Capsules used: M2A and PillCam SB (Given Imaging). Demographic data, indications, gastric emptying and intestinal transit, as well as, fi ndings and complications were recorded. 339 patients, 180 men, 159 women. Average age: 56.04 yearsold. Indications: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 217), chronic diarrhea (n = 22), Crohn’s disease (n=20), tumor screening (n = 30), abdominal pain (n = 29), celiac disease (n = 5), miscellaneous (n = 16). Lesions were found in 78.8% of patients. Findings: angiectasias 28.3%, erosions 28.6%, ulcers 12.5%, active bleeding 8% and, subepithelial tumors 4.2%. By correlating the fi ndings with the indications we found a signifi cant percentage of concordance in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and Crohn’s disease. Complications: intestinal obstruction (n=1), retention (n=6). EC is a minimally invasive well tolerated method, with few complications and high percentage of lesions detection, which seems to be positioned to guide the diagnosis and therapy of disorders such as, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and Crohn’s disease. We were able to adapt to the technological platform as users and prepare for new developments to come; we believe it is time to begin a training program in EC...

Comparación de cápsula endoscópica esofágica y endoscopia digestiva superior para el diagnóstico de varices esofagicas en Maracaibo Venezuela: reporte preliminar / Comparison between esophageal capsule endoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy for the diagnosis of esophageal varices in Maracaibo Venezuela: preliminary report

La cápsula endoscópica (CE) para intestino delgado inició una revolución tecnológica que se extendió a esófago buscando alternativas para la endoscopia digestiva superior (EDS), “gold standard” en estudio de várices esofágicas (VE) pero invasivas y desagradables sin sedación. Antes de EDS con sedación moderada, 9 pacientes cirróticos de consulta de Hepatología, 6 para seguimiento VE (66.6%) y 3 para despistaje (33.4%) ingirieron PillCam™ESO (Given Imaging). Endoscopista entrenado en CE (ciego a hallazgos EDS pero no a historia del paciente) leyó dos veces los resultados. Se evaluó en imágenes CE y EDS: Presencia-tamaño de várices esofágicas, Riesgo de sangrado, Presencia-grado de Gastropatía Portal Hipertensiva (GPH), várices gástricas. Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios de satisfacción: pre y post procedimiento. CE demostró 88,8% de sensibilidad para determinar tamaño y riesgo de sangrado y 66.6% para GPH. Un hallazgo visto solo por CE, incluyó una várice gástrica. 88% de los pacientes manifestó mayor ansiedad-incomodidad con EDS, prefiriendo CE para futuros procedimientos. A pesar de la eficacia, comodidad y utilidad de CE para seleccionar pacientes para EDS, no creemos que pueda sustituir totalmente a EDS por imposibilidad de tratamiento y costo. Los resultados son prometedores, ampliando la muestra tendremos conclusiones más sólidas...

Endoscopic Capsule (EC) for small bowl is a gastrointestinal breakthrough which extended to esophagus searching for alternatives to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD); “gold standard” for esophageal varices (EV) study (but invasive and uncomfortable without sedation). We report our preliminary EC results in Maracaibo. Before EGD with moderated sedation, 9 cirrhotic patients, 6 (55%) for surveillance and 3 for variceal screening, underwent EC PillCam™ESO (Given Imaging). Endoscopist with EC training (blinded to EGD founds but not to patient’s history) read twice the results. EC and EGD images were evaluated for EV size, bleeding risk, portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) grade, gastric varices and other founds. Two satisfaction questionnaires were applied (pre and post procedure). EC showed 88.8% sensibility in determining EV size and bleeding risk and 66.6% sensitivity for PHG. A gastric varice was seen only by EC. 88% of the patients were more anxious and uncomfortable with EGD preferring EC for future procedures. Though EC is efficient, comfortable and useful in deciding which patients would benefi t from EGD we don’t think it will totally replace EGD, due to its cost and impossibility for treatment. Results are promising although bigger samples are necessary for solid conclusions...

Rendimiento diagnóstico de la cápsula endoscópica y enteroscopia doble balón en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oscura

Introducción: los métodos descritos para el estudio del intestino delgado han sido de difícil realización y baja certeza diagnóstica. La cápsula endoscópica (CE) y enteroscopia doble balón (EDB), permiten obtener beneficio para el estudio y tratamiento del paciente con hemorragia digestiva oscura. Objetivo: determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la CE y EDB en pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oscura. Métodos y pacientes: se evaluaron 50 pacientes con hemorragia digestiva oscura, en 24 pacientes se realizó CE y en 26 pacientes EDB. Los hallazgos de las lesiones por cápsula endoscópica M2A Given Imaging y enteroscopia doble balón fueron comparados. Resultados: como causa de sangrado se encontraron lesiones en el 56,52% de los pacientes utilizando CE y en 42,30 % de los pacientes con EDB (p= 0,04). Ambos estudios fueron bien tolerados. No se reportó ningún efecto adverso. Biopsias (n: 1), coagulación con argón plasma (n: 7), esclerosis con adrenalina (n: 1) fueron realizados al utilizar EDB. Conclusión: el rendimiento diagnóstico de la CE y EDB fue similar para detectar las lesiones causantes de hemorragia oscura. La ventaja de la EDB es la posibilidad de aplicar procedimientos endoscópicos terapéuticos.

Introduction: The methods described for the study of the small bowel have been of difficult accomplishment and low diagnostic certainty. The Endoscopic Capsule (EC) and Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE), can be helpful in the study and treatment of the patient with occult digestive bleeding. Objective: To determine the diagnostic yield of EC and DBE in patients with occult digestive bleeding. Methods and patients: 50 patients with occult digestive bleeding were evaluated, in 24 patients EC was the method of choice and in 26 patients DBE. Findings by means of endoscopic capsule M2A Given Imaging and double balloon enteroscopy were compared. Results: A cause of bleeding was found in 56.52% of patients using EC and in 42, 30% of patients with DBE (p=0,04). Both studies were well tolerated. No adverse effects were reported. Biopsies (n: 1), argon plasma coagulation (n: 7), sclerosis with adrenalin (n: 1) were performed when using DBE. Conclusion: The diagnostic yield of EC and DBE was similar in detecting injuries causing occult bleeding. The advantage of DBE is the possibility of applying therapeutic endoscopic procedures.