World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2016; 22(1): 369-378 Published online Jan 7, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.369
Capsule endoscopy: The road ahead
Ana-Maria Singeap, Carol Stanciu, Anca Trifan
Ana-Maria Singeap, Anca Trifan, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institute, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
Carol Stanciu, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institute, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
Author contributions: Singeap AM, Stanciu C and Trifan A contributed equally to the conception and design of the review; Singeap AM performed acquisition of data; Stanciu C analyzed the data, coordinated the manuscript drafting and revised it critically; Trifan A participated in the analysis and interpretation of data, and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content; all authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: There is no conflict of interest associated with any of the senior author or other coauthors contributed their efforts in this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Carol Stanciu, MD, FRCP, Professor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institute, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Independentei 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania. stanciucarol@yahoo.com
Telephone: +40-732-402860 Fax: +40-232-246611
Received: May 5, 2015 Peer-review started: May 9, 2015 First decision: July 19, 2015 Revised: August 4, 2015 Accepted: September 30, 2015 Article in press: September 30, 2015 Published online: January 7, 2016 Processing time: 240 Days and 12.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Since its introduction into clinical practice 15 years ago, small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionized direct endoscopic imaging of the gut. During this time, CE has gained tremendous popularity among gastroenterologists, and a vast research pertaining to its different aspects has been published. Dedicated esophageal and colon CE have expanded the field of application to upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders. However, besides its recognized advantages, CE also has several limitations such as the lack of therapeutic capabilities, the inability to obtain biopsies and control its locomotion. Active research is in progress to overcome the current limitations, while the latest advances in CE technology enable us to look forward to a next generation CE capable of performing both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This review summarizes the literature that prognosticates about the future of CE.
