[Capsule endoscopy: evidence-based indications in 2020]

Abstract

Videocapsule endoscopy is, by far, one of the most important milestones in the technological development of endoscopy in the last twenty years. The introduction and spread of videocapsule endoscopy in clinical practice revolutionized the management of small bowel's diseases, allowing a high-quality, extensive examination of its whole mucosal surface. Because of its technical features, videocapsule endoscopy does not allow any direct therapeutic interventions but, compared to other techniques, it is minimally invasive, radiation-free and has an excellent safety profile. The most common indication for videocapsule endoscopy is suspected small bowel bleeding, although other conditions (such as coeliac disease, hereditary polyposis syndromes and, above all, Crohn's disease) may benefit from its use, as highlighted by several studies in recent years. The aim of this paper is to provide a wide overview on indications, limitations and future perspectives of videocapsule endoscopy: by 2020, this technique has become a valuable and irreplaceable tool for the study of the small bowel, changing the patients' management in many clinical scenarios.