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Review
. 2023 May 1;39(3):227-233.
doi: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000921. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

Retention of small bowel capsule endoscopy

Bruno Rosa  1   2   3 , Xavier Dray  4 , Anastasios Koulaouzidis  5   6   7   8
Affiliations
Review

Retention of small bowel capsule endoscopy

Bruno Rosa et al. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Capsule endoscopy is widely recognized as a safe and effective procedure to evaluate the small bowel and/or the colon noninvasively. Although infrequent, capsule retention is the most feared adverse event related to this technique. A better knowledge of risk factors, improvement of patients' selection and precapsule patency assessment may further contribute to reducing the incidence of capsule retention, even in patients at increased risk for this complication.

Recent findings: This review addresses the main risk factors for capsule retention, strategies for risk reduction such as patients' selection, dedicated cross-sectional imaging and rational use of the patency capsule, as well as management options and outcomes in the case of capsule retention.

Summary: Capsule retention is infrequent, and it is usually manageable conservatively with favorable clinical outcomes. Patency capsules and dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional techniques such as CT or MR enterography should be used selectively and are both effective in decreasing the rate of capsule retention. However, none of them can completely eliminate the risk of retention.

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References

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    1. Sachdev MS, Leighton JA, Fleischer DE, et al. A prospective study of the utility of abdominal radiographs after capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of capsule retention. Gastrointest Endosc 2007; 66:894–900.
    1. Fernandez-Urien I, Carretero C, Gonzalez B, et al. Incidence, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic approaches of capsule endoscopy-related adverse events in a large study population. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2015; 107:745–752.