Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Detecting Colonic Diverticula in a Japanese Population

Abstract

Objective The assessment of colonic diverticula with colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) in a Japanese population provided unclear results. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed a cohort of Japanese patients who had undergone CCE to assess its safety and usefulness in the diagnosis of colonic diverticula. Methods In this study, 175 consecutive Japanese patients who had their entire colon observed via CCE from November 2013 to July 2018 were included. Patients were retrospectively stratified according to age, gender, colonic segment, and symptoms involvement. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate the presence of any correlation among variables. The safety of CCE was assessed in terms of the incidence of adverse events (AEs). Results Colonic diverticula were observed in 42.3% of all cases; of those; 36.5% were right-sided, 31.1% were left-sided, and 32.4% were bilateral. Moreover, one to two colonic diverticula were observed in 35.1%, while three or more diverticula were seen in 64.9%. Multivariable analysis showed that age (≥70 years) was positively associated with colonic diverticula, while male gender and the presence of colonic polyps were negatively associated with colonic diverticula. No correlation was found between colonic diverticula and symptoms. There was no significant difference between groups with and without colonic diverticula in the incidence of AEs. AEs were mild in severity, with no severe AE-related bowel preparation and capsule ingestion reported. Conclusion CCE was well-tolerated by the participants, and the incidence of colonic diverticula was 42.3%, with one to two and three or more diverticula being found in 35.1% and 64.9%, respectively. There was little difference in the frequency of colonic diverticula formation on the right side, left side, and on both sides. Age was a positive association factor, while male gender and the presence of colorectal polyps were negative association factors. No correlation was found between diverticula and symptoms.

Keywords: colon capsule endoscopy; colonic diverticula; epidemiology.

Figure 1. Boosters for the discharge of colon capsule

Asc-PEG: ascorbic acid-containing polyethylene glycol solution

Figure 2. Representative image of colonic diverticula observed via CCE (arrows)

CCE: colon capsule endoscopy

Figure 3. Representative image of colonic diverticular bleeding observed via CCE (arrow and circle)

CCE: colon capsule endoscopy

Figure 4. Prevalence of colonic diverticula stratified by age group

Figure 5. Proportion of right- and left-sided colonic diverticula stratified by age group