World J Gastrointest Endosc. Nov 16, 2026; 18(11): 126686 Published online Nov 16, 2026. doi: 10.4253/wjge.126686
Capsule endoscopy: Emerging technologies and future clinical applications
Clelia Marmo, Maria Elena Riccioni
Clelia Marmo, Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Lazio, Italy
Maria Elena Riccioni, Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli, Rome 00168, Italy
Co-first authors: Clelia Marmo and Maria Elena Riccioni.
Author contributions: Marmo C and Riccioni ME conceptualized and designed the study, and contributed equally to this work as co-first authors; Marmo C conducted the literature review, interpreted the data and drafted the original manuscript; Riccioni ME supervised the study and made critical revisions; all authors prepared the draft and approved the submitted version.
AI contribution statement: ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used for English language editing of the manuscript. The AI tool was not used to generate scientific evidence, interpret data, or formulate the conclusions of the review. All AI edited text was critically reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy and scientific integrity of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Clelia Marmo, MD, PhD, Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli No. 8, Rome 00168, Lazio, Italy. clelia.marmo@policlinicogemelli.it
Received: August 12, 2026 Revised: October 5, 2026 Accepted: October 16, 2026 Published online: November 16, 2026 Processing time: 93 Days and 21.1 Hours
Abstract
Capsule endoscopy has evolved from a diagnostic tool for small bowel evaluation into a complex platform with expanding diagnostic and prognostic potential. This mini review aims to summarize recent advances in capsule endoscopy and explore potential clinical applications and future directions of this technology. The introduction of pan-enteric capsule endoscopy has enabled comprehensive evaluation of the entire gastrointestinal tract in a single, minimally invasive examination, supporting treat-to-target approaches and improving disease phenotyping in inflammatory bowel disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) represents one of the most important recent developments in capsule endoscopy. Deep learning algorithms have demonstrated high accuracy in lesion detection while reducing reading times. More recently, AI has been applied to automated inflammatory activity scoring, bowel cleansing assessment, and computer-assisted reporting, facilitating standardized interpretation and improving report quality. Magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy has further expanded the role of capsule technology by enabling active navigation within the upper gastrointestinal tract. Recent innovations include detachable-string systems for esophageal examination, remote 5G-assisted capsule navigation, and integration with AI-assisted image analysis, opening new perspectives for noninvasive evaluation from mouth to anus. Experimental robotic capsule prototypes have explored the feasibility of interventional functions, including tissue sampling and targeted drug delivery. These technologies remain at the preclinical stage, and their potential clinical applicability requires further investigation.
Core Tip: Capsule endoscopy is rapidly evolving beyond conventional small bowel imaging. Pan-enteric systems enable comprehensive gastrointestinal assessment, while artificial intelligence improves lesion detection, standardizes examination quality, and reduces reading time. Magnetically controlled capsules extend minimally invasive examination to the upper gastrointestinal tract and provide remote navigation. Emerging robotic platforms may further expand these capabilities by integrating active navigation, tissue sampling, and targeted drug delivery. This review summarizes these recent advances and highlights the transition of capsule endoscopy from a passive diagnostic device dedicated to small bowel visualization to an intelligent, minimally invasive platform with expanding applications throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
