Resumen

LANDAETA, J et al. 8 años de cápsula endoscopica: Progresos y retos. Gen [online]. 2010, vol.64, n.2, pp.82-85. ISSN 0016-3503.

Since its introduction in 2001, the endoscopic capsule (EC) has changed the diagnosis and management of small bowel pathology. Objective: To evaluate the clinical benefi t of EC in patients with suspected small bowel disease. Patients and methods: Patients who underwent EC from October 2001 to April 2009 at two medical centers, Policínica Metropolitana and Centro Médico de Caracas. Capsules used: M2A and PillCam SB (Given Imaging). Demographic data, indications, gastric emptying and intestinal transit, as well as, fi ndings and complications were recorded. Results: 339 patients, 180 men, 159 women. Average age: 56.04 yearsold. Indications: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 217), chronic diarrhea (n = 22), Crohn’s disease (n=20), tumor screening (n = 30), abdominal pain (n = 29), celiac disease (n = 5), miscellaneous (n = 16). Lesions were found in 78.8% of patients. Findings: angiectasias 28.3%, erosions 28.6%, ulcers 12.5%, active bleeding 8% and, subepithelial tumors 4.2%. By correlating the fi ndings with the indications we found a signifi cant percentage of concordance in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and Crohn’s disease. Complications: intestinal obstruction (n=1), retention (n=6). Conclusion: EC is a minimally invasive well tolerated method, with few complications and high percentage of lesions detection, which seems to be positioned to guide the diagnosis and therapy of disorders such as, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and Crohn’s disease. We were able to adapt to the technological platform as users and prepare for new developments to come; we believe it is time to begin a training program in EC.

Palabras clave : endoscopic capsule; obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.