How is small bowel capsule used for endoscopy of the small bowel in patients with GIBOO?
- The most widely available and most commonly performed endoscopic test to evaluate the small bowel for GIBOO is small bowel capsule endoscopy.
- This capsule primarily supplies images of the small bowel, but can also supply limited images of the esophagus, stomach, and cecum.
- The capsule contains a light source to illuminate the gut, one or more cameras for color photography, a wireless transmitter to transmit the images electronically, and a battery to power these electronic operations.
- A recorder is usually worn by the patient to receive the transmitted images. The capsule battery generally permits transmission of endoscopic images for approximately 8 hours.
- The capsule is swallowed with water and passively traverses the alimentary tract by peristalsis.
- Patients fast overnight before the procedure and should receive a liquid polyethylene glycol–3350 bowel preparation shortly before the procedure to evacuate luminal debris and provide a clear fluid interface.
- Three small bowel capsule brands are commercially available. The PillCam is the latest model produced by Given Imaging (Yoqneam, Israel), which developed the first device.
- It has a variable frame rate, ranging from two frames per second when stationary up to six frames per second when moving quickly.
- Other brands include the EndoCapsule by Olympus Corporation (Allentown, PA), and the MiRoCam capsule marketed by Medivators, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN), which was recently approved for use in America.
