Colonic lesions in patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy.

PURPOSE: Capsule endoscopy by enabling direct visualization of small bowel mucosa has conquered the last frontier of diagnostic endoscopy. However, its ability to simultaneously detect colonic lesions has not been evaluated. This study was done to evaluate frequency of detection of colonic abnormalities in patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy and its impact on the clinical management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients (60 males; mean age: 51.2 ± 18.6 years) who had obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or unexplained abdominal pain or unexplained diarrhea underwent capsule endoscopy. The demographic data and capsule endoscopy findings were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS: Capsule endoscopy was normal in 26 (29.8%) patients and small bowel abnormalities were noted in 49 (56.3%) patients. Capsule endoscope did not reach the cecum during the battery life period of the capsule in five (5.7%) patients. Colonic abnormalities were noted in eight (9.1%) patients. These included cecal angiodysplasia (four), cecal carcinoma (one), transverse colon polyp (one), sigmoid colon ulcerations with histological diagnosis of Crohn's colitis (one), and cecal ulcers with final diagnosis of amebic colitis (one).

CONCLUSION: The colon should also be carefully evaluated in patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy as significant lesions can be detected that helps in appropriate management.