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World J Gastroenterol. Nov 28, 2014; 20(44): 16596-16602
Published online Nov 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i44.16596
Colon capsule endoscopy: Current status and future directions
Andrea O Tal, Johannes Vermehren, Jörg G Albert
Andrea O Tal, Johannes Vermehren, Jörg G Albert, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, D-60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Author contributions: Tal AO and Vermehren J contributed equally to this work; Tal AO, Vermehren J and Albert JG did acquisition of data, analysed data, and contributed to conception and design of the paper; Tal AO, Vermehren J and Albert JG wrote the paper and gave final approval of the version to be published.
Correspondence to: Jörg G Albert, MD, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany. j.albert@med.uni-frankfurt.de
Telephone: +49-69-63015297 Fax: +49-69-63016247
Received: February 27, 2014
Revised: May 2, 2014
Accepted: May 25, 2014
Published online: November 28, 2014
Abstract

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE; PillCam Colon; Given Imaging; Yoqneam, Israel) is a minimally invasive wireless technique for the visualization of the colon. With the recent introduction of the second generation colon capsule the diagnostic accuracy of CCE for polyp detection has significantly improved and preliminary data suggest it may be useful to monitor mucosal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Limitations include the inability to take biopsies and the procedural costs. However, given the potentially higher acceptance within an average risk colorectal cancer (CRC) screening population, its usefulness as a screening tool with regard to CRC prevention should be further evaluated.

Keywords: Capsule endoscopy, Endoscopy, Colon capsule endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Colorectal cancer, Colon, Colonic capsule endoscopy, Inflammatory bowel disease

Core tip: Colon capsule endoscopy is a promising, minimally invasive wireless technique for the visualization of the colon. With the second generation, the diagnostic accuracy of Colon capsule endoscopy has significantly improved for polyp detection. Preliminary data suggest that colon capsule endoscopy may be useful to monitor mucosal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Limitations include the inability to take biopsies and the procedural costs. However, given the potentially higher acceptance within an average risk colorectal cancer (CRC) screening population, its usefulness as a screening tool with regard to CRC prevention should be further evaluated.