Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy(CE) is a simple,safe,non-invasive,reliable technique,well accepted and tolerated by the patients,which allows complete exploration of the small intestine.The advent of CE in 2000 has dramatically changed the diagnosis and management of many diseases of the small intestine,such as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,Crohn's disease,small bowel tumors,polyposis syndromes,etc.CE has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of most diseases of the small bowel.Lately this technique has also been used for esophageal and colonic diseases.

Role of videocapsule endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defi ned as bleeding of an unknown origin that persists or recurs after negative initial upper and lower endoscopies. Several techniques, such as endoscopy, arteriography, scintigraphy and barium radiology are helpful for recognizing the bleeding source; nevertheless, in about 5%-10% of cases the bleeding lesion cannot be determined. The development of videocapsule endoscopy (VCE) has permitted a direct visualization of the small intestine mucosa. We will analyze those techniques in more detail. The diagnostic yield of CE for OGIB varies from 38% to 93%, being in the higher range in those cases with obscure-overt bleeding.

Intestinal preparation prior to capsule endoscopy administration

In order to have an adequate view of the whole small intestine during capsule endoscopy, the preparation recommended consists of a clear liquid diet and an overnight fast. However, visualization of the small bowel during video capsule endoscopy can be impaired by intestinal contents. To improve mucosal visualization, some authors have evaluated different regimens of preparation. There is no consensus about the necessity of intestinal preparation for capsule endoscopy and it should be interesting to develop adequate guidelines to improve its efficacy and tolerability. Moreover, the effect of preparation type (purgative) on intestinal transit time is not clear. Since a bowel preparation cannot defini-tively improve its visibility (and theoretically the yield of the test), it is not routinely recommended.

Esophageal capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is now considered as the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as esophageal capsule endoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy. Esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected esophageal disorders is feasible and safe, and could be also an alternative procedure in those patients refusing upper endoscopy. Although large-scale studies are needed to confirm its utility in GERD and cirrhotic patients, current results are encouraging and open a new era in esophageal examination.

Colon capsule endoscopy

Wireless capsule endoscopy has become the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as esophageal capsule endoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy. Clinical trials results have shown that colon capsule endoscopy is feasible, accurate and safe in patients suffering from colonic diseases. It could be a good alternative in patients refusing conventional colonoscopy or when it is contraindicated. Upcoming studies are needed to demonstrate its utility for colon cancer screening and other indications such us ulcerative colitis. Comparative studies including both conventional and virtual colonoscopy are also required.

Gallbladder drainage guided by endoscopic ultrasound

The gold-standard management of acute cholecystitis is cholecystectomy.Surgical intervention may be contraindicated due to permanent causes.To date,the classical approach is percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients unresponsive to medical therapy.However, with this treatment some patients may experience discomfort,complications and a decrease in their quality of life.In these cases,endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided gallbladder drainage may represent an effective minimally invasive alternative.Our objective is to describe in detail this new and not well-known technique:EUS-guided cholecystenterostomy.We will describe how the patient should be prepared,what accessories are needed and how the technique is performed.We will also discuss the possible indications for this technique and will provide a brief review based on published reports and our own experience.

Long-term follow-up study of gastroduodenal lesions after radioembolization of hepatic tumors

AIM:To evaluate the long-term natural history of the gastroduodenal lesions secondary to extrahepatic embolization with Ytrium 90(90 Y) spheres.METHODS:From September 2003 to January 2012,379 procedures of liver radioembolization(RE) using resin microspheres loaded with 90 Y were performed in our center.We have retrospectively compiled the data from 379 RE procedures performed in our center.We report a comprehensive clinical,analytical,endoscopic and histologic long-term follow-up of a series of patients who developed gastroduodenal lesions after the treatment.RESULTS:Six patients(1.5%) developed gastrointestinal symptoms and had gastrointestinal lesions as shown by upper endoscopy in the next 12 wk after RE.The mean time between RE and the appearance of symptoms was 5 wk.Only one patient required endoscopic and surgical treatment.The incidence of gastrointestinal ulcerations was 3.75%(3/80) when only planar images were used for the pre-treatment evaluation.It was reduced to 1%(3/299) when singlephoton emission computed tomography(SPECT) images were also performed.The symptoms that lasted for a longer time were nausea and vomiting,until 25 mo after the treatment.CONCLUSION:All patients were free from severe symptoms at the end of follow-up.The routine use of SPECT has decreased the incidence of gastrointestinal lesions due to unintended deployment of 90 Y particles.