Safety, Reliability and Limitations of the Given Patency Capsule in Patients at Risk of Capsule Retention: A 3-Year Technical Review

• DOI: 10.1007/s10620-008-0210-5
• Publication Date: 2008-03-04T16:03:10Z
• Authors: Aymer Jonathan Po...; David Burling; Arun Gupta; Aine Fitzpatrick; Chris Fraser
• Keywords: Capsule

The patency capsule may prevent capsule retention in high-risk patients. However data on its use in routine clinical practice is limited.Patients referred to our institution between Feb-04 and Jan-07 were reviewed. The following data was collected: presenting symptoms; medical/surgical history; medication; radiology; patency/video capsule result; subsequent investigations; clinical outcomes.373 patients were referred. In 315 (84%) 'low-risk' patients (no patency capsule): delayed transit occurred in three, with no cases of capsule retention. In 58 (16%) 'high risk' patients (patency capsule): asymptomatic retention occurred in eight, all with pathology despite normal prior barium studies in six; in four cases patency location was incorrectly assessed radiologically, leading to video capsule retention and surgery in one.Most patients can safely undergo capsule endoscopy without a patency capsule. The patency capsule appears safe and is indicative of pathology when retained. Assessment of patency capsule location post ingestion can be difficult, and if barium radiology is equivocal a limited abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is suggested.