Endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope in children

Abstract

Background: Capsule endoscopy provides a minimally invasive examination of the entire small bowel. However, some children and disabled adults may be unable to independently ingest the capsule. A new method for endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope is described.

Methods: Consecutive children who required capsule endoscopy of the small bowel and who were unable to independently ingest the capsule were selected for endoscopic placement. A net retrieval catheter and a translucent ligation adaptor were used to hold and stabilize alignment of the capsule during endoscopic insertion into the distal duodenum.

Results: Eleven pediatric patients underwent successful endoscopic placement of a capsule endoscope in the duodenum without complication. One capsule migrated back into the stomach, where it remained for the life of the battery.

Conclusions: Endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope by using the described technique appears to be effective and safe. It facilitates capsule endoscopy in patients who are unable to independently ingest the capsule.