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
Core Tip
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.
