Published online Dec 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i46.17330
Revised: July 25, 2014
Accepted: September 12, 2014
Published online: December 14, 2014
Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) was launched in 2000 and has revolutionized direct endoscopic imaging of the gut. VCE is now a first-line procedure for exploring the small bowel in cases of obscure digestive bleeding and is also indicated in some patients with Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and polyposis syndrome. A video capsule has also been designed for visualizing the esophagus in order to detect Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal varices. Different capsules are now available and differ with regard to dimensions, image acquisition rate, battery life, field of view, and possible optical enhancements. More recently, the use of VCE has been extended to exploring the colon. Within the last 5 years, tremendous developments have been made toward increasing the capabilities of the colon capsule. Although colon capsule cannot be proposed as a first-line colorectal cancer screening procedure, colon capsule may be used in patients with incomplete colonoscopy or in patients who are unwilling to undergo colonoscopy. In the near future, new technological developments will improve the diagnostic yield of VCE and broaden its therapeutic capabilities.
Core tip: The authors review the indications and developments of the video capsule endoscopy (VCE) both for exploring the esophagus, the small bowel and the colon. Interestingly, the use of VCE in case of obscure digestive bleeding is defined in a decisional algorithm. Actual and potential indications for colon capsule endoscopy are described enlighten technical developments.