Capsule Endoscopy: Pitfalls and Approaches to Overcome

Capsule endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract is an innovative technology that serves to replace conventional endoscopy. Wireless capsule endoscopy, which is mainly used for small bowel examination, has recently been used to examine the entire gastrointestinal tract. This method is promising for its usefulness and development potential and enhances convenience by reducing the side effects and discomfort that may occur during conventional endoscopy. However, capsule endoscopy has fundamental limitations, including passive movement via bowel peristalsis and space restriction. This article reviews the current scientific aspects of capsule endoscopy and discusses the pitfalls and approaches to overcome its limitations. This review includes the latest research results on the role and potential of capsule endoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic device.

A novel gaze-controlled flexible robotized endoscope; preliminary trial and report

Background Interventional endoluminal therapy is rapidly advancing as a minimally invasive surgical technique. The expanding remit of endoscopic therapy necessitates precision control. Eye tracking is an emerging technology which allows intuitive control of devices. This was a feasibility study to establish if a novel eye gaze-controlled endoscopic system could be used to intuitively control an endoscope. Methods An eye gaze-control system consisting of eye tracking glasses, specialist cameras and a joystick was used to control a robotically driven endoscope allowing steering, advancement, withdrawal and retroflexion. Eight experienced and eight non-endoscopists used both the eye gaze system and a conventional endoscope to identify ten targets in two simulated environments: a sphere and an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) model. Completion of tasks was timed. Subjective feedback was collected from each participant on task load (NASA Task Load Index) and acceptance of technology (Van der Laan scale). Results When using gaze-control endoscopy, non-endoscopists were significantly quicker when using gaze-control rather than conventional endoscopy (sphere task 3:54 ± 1:17 vs. 9:05 ± 5:40 min, p = 0.012, and UGI model task 1:59 ± 0:24 vs 3:45 ± 0:53 min, p < .001). Non-endoscopists reported significantly higher NASA-TLX workload total scores using conventional endoscopy versus gaze-control (80.6 ± 11.3 vs 22.5 ± 13.8, p < .001). Endoscopists reported significantly higher total NASA-TLX workload scores using gaze control versus conventional endoscopy (54.2 ± 16 vs 26.9 ± 15.3, p = 0.012). All subjects reported that the gaze-control had positive ‘usefulness’ and ‘satisfaction’ score of 0.56 ± 0.83 and 1.43 ± 0.51 respectively. Conclusions The novel eye gaze-control system was significantly quicker to use and subjectively lower in workload when used by non-endoscopists. Further work is needed to see if this would translate into a shallower learning curve to proficiency versus conventional endoscopy. The eye gaze-control system appears feasible as an intuitive endoscope control system. Hybrid gaze and hand control may prove a beneficial technology to evolving endoscopic platforms.

Capsule Endoscopy in the Detection of Non-Small Bowel Lesions Missed by Endoscopy

Background and aims: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is indicated in cases with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, lesions detected by CE are frequently within the reach of conventional upper or lower GI endoscopy. We evaluated the accuracy of CE in the study of OGIB, examining the incidence of CE-detected non-small-bowel lesions (NSBL) missed by conventional endoscopy and studying its impact on patient management.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 2010 CE procedures performed in a tertiary-care center (IBD-Unit Referral Centre in Bologna), comparing the findings on CE to those on prior colonoscopy and upper GI endoscopy performed within 3 months and two weeks of the CE procedure, respectively. We evaluated the impact of CE findings on patient management.Results: CE revealed abnormal findings in 1608 out of 2010 patients. Previously missed NSBLs were revealed on CE in 283 cases. Of these, 265 pre-CE endoscopic reports were found to not conform to reporting guidelines. NSBLs on CE led to management changes in 271 patients.Conclusion: This study confirms the utility of CE in patients with OGIB. However, in a considerable number of cases, CE identified lesions missed by conventional endoscopy, suggesting that a second look prior to CE may be appropriate in some patients.Name of registry and the registration number: The study protocol was approved by the Comitato Etico Indipendente dell’AOU di Bologna (n°173/2017/O/OssN)

A203 PAVING THE WAY TO THE DUODENUM: A CASE REPORT OF DUODENAL TUBERCULOSIS

Background Duodenal tuberculosis (DTB) is an uncommon manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), representing only 0.5% of all TB cases. The nonspecific features of its clinical presentation make diagnosis challenging, which can lead to delayed identification and even inappropriate treatments. Further, the location is also difficult to reach on conventional endoscopy and there are few studies on the use of balloon enteroscopy to diagnose DTB. Aims We report a case of DTB diagnosed using balloon enteroscopy that was successfully treated with symptom resolution. We also highlight uncommon features of DTB, including cobblestoning seen on endoscopy and villous blunting with duodenal lymphocytosis seen on histopathology. Methods Case report Results A 30-year-old previously healthy male returning from India 16 months prior presented to the emergency department with 1 month of abdominal distension, non-bloody diarrhea, and night-sweats. Examination was notable for fever and a distended abdomen. Computed-tomography showed thickening of the jejunum and ileum, with omental fat-stranding and intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy. As the lesion appeared out of reach for conventional endoscopy, balloon enteroscopy was performed, revealing an area of cobblestoning in the duodenum. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining was negative. While TB culture was pending, a second balloon enteroscopy was performed, with AFB staining negative on repeat biopsy. Pathology showed villous blunting and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes but was negative for granulomas. As the diagnosis remained uncertain, endoscopic ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy was performed and multiple lymph nodes were seen in the gastro-hepatic area. Lymph node biopsy AFB staining was also negative. 4 weeks later, pathology from the first balloon enteroscopy returned positive for TB. The remaining biopsy cultures were negative for TB. The patient was treated with standard of care treatment. At 2 and 4 months of follow-up, he reported complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusions The diagnosis of DTB is challenging due its non-specific presentation and rarity. Our case highlights the difficulty of diagnosis as endoscopic findings such as cobblestoning are highly uncommon. We provide support for the use of balloon enteroscopy as a novel method for diagnosis of DTB. With early identification, we were able to provide appropriate therapy and prevent propagation of the disease. Funding Agencies None