Editorial
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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Apr 16, 2012; 4(4): 99-107
Published online Apr 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i4.99
Colon capsule endoscopy: Advantages, limitations and expectations. Which novelties?
Maria Elena Riccioni, Riccardo Urgesi, Rossella Cianci, Alessandra Bizzotto, Cristiano Spada, Guido Costamagna
Maria Elena Riccioni, Alessandra Bizzotto, Cristiano Spada, Guido Costamagna, Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
Riccardo Urgesi, Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Rossella Cianci, Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
Author contributions: Riccioni ME, Urgesi R, Cianci R, Bizzotto A, Spada C and Costamagna G contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Riccardo Urgesi, Dr., Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, Italy. riurgesi@tin.it
Telephone: +39-6-30156580 Fax: +39-6-30156581
Received: September 4, 2011
Revised: February 20, 2012
Accepted: March 30, 2012
Published online: April 16, 2012
Abstract

Since the first reports almost ten years ago, wireless capsule endoscopy has gained new fields of application. Colon capsule endoscopy represents a new diagnostic technology for colonic exploration. Clinical trials have shown that colon capsule endoscopy is feasible, accurate and safe in patients suffering from colonic diseases and might be a valid alternative to conventional colonoscopy in selected cases such as patients refusing conventional colonoscopy or with contraindications to colonoscopy or when colonoscopy is incomplete. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this new technique, few clinical and randomized controlled trials are to be found in the current literature, leading to heterogeneous or controversial results. Upcoming studies are needed to prove the substantial utility of colon capsule endoscopy for colon cancer screening, especially in a low prevalence of disease population, and for other indications such as inflammatory bowel disease. Possible perspectives are critically analysed and reported in this paper.

Keywords: Colonoscopy, Colorectal cancer, Inflammatory bowel disease, PillCam colon capsule, Polyps, Preparation