Skip to main content

Oesophageal Capsule Endoscopy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Capsule Endoscopy

Abstract

To date, only one system is available for wireless examination of the oesophagus (PillCam®ESO 2; Given Imaging ®Ltd, Yoqneam, Israel). Tethered examination of the oesophagus has been attempted with both PillCam and OMOM® (Chongqing Jinshan Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd, Beijing, China). Although a useful alternative to conventional endoscopy for anxious patients, evidence on the validity of oesophageal capsule endoscopy in Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophagitis and oesophageal varices is less favourable. In this chapter, we present the technical specifications of the oesophageal capsule, the ingestion protocol, indication s and contraindication s for its use, potential alternatives and on-going projects.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Waterman M, Gralnek IM. Capsule endoscopy of the esophagus. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2009;43:605–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Eriksen CA, Holdsworth RJ, Sutton D, Kennedy N, Cuschieri A. The solid bolus oesophageal egg transit test: its manometric interpretation and usefulness as a screening test. Br J Surg. 1987;74:1130–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Gerson LB. Screening for esophageal varices: is esophageal capsule endoscopy ready for prime time? J Clin Gastroenterol. 2009;43:899–901.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Pendlebury J, Douglas S, Plevris JN. Wireless oesophageal video capsule endoscopy: preliminary experience in seven patients. Gut. 2006;55:A65.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Gralnek IM, Rabinovitz R, Afik D, Eliakim R. A simplified ingestion procedure for esophageal capsule endoscopy: initial evaluation in healthy volunteers. Endoscopy. 2006;38:913–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. De Jonge PJ, Van Eijck BC, Geldof H, Bekkering FC, Essink-Bot ML, Polinder S, Kuipers EJ, Siersema PD. Capsule endoscopy for the detection of oesophageal mucosal disorders: a comparison of two different ingestion protocols. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008;43:870–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. http://www.bsg.org.uk/images/stories/docs/clinical/guidelines/oesophageal/Barretts_Oes.pdf .

  8. Kahrilas PJ. Clinical practice. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:1700–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Atkinson M, Chak A. Screening for Barrett’s esophagus. Tech Gastrointest Endosc. 2010;12:62–6.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Spechler SJ. Barrett esophagus and risk of esophageal cancer: a clinical review. JAMA. 2013;310:627–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Romero-Vázquez J, Jiménez-García VA, Herrerías-Gutiérrez JM. Esophageal capsule endoscopy and Barrett’s esophagus: where are we in 2013? Rev Gastroenterol Mex. 2013;78:55–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Sharma VK, Eliakim R, Sharma P. Faigel D; ICCE. ICCE consensus for esophageal capsule endoscopy. Endoscopy. 2005;37:1060–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Eliakim R, Yassin K, Shlomi I, Suissa A, Eisen GM. A novel diagnostic tool for detecting oesophageal pathology: the PillCam oesophageal video capsule. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;20:1083–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Bhardwaj A, Hollenbeak CS, Pooran N, Mathew A. A meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of esophageal capsule endoscopy for Barrett’s esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:1533–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Eliakim R, Sharma VK, Yassin K, et al. A prospective study of the diagnostic accuracy of PillCam ESO esophageal capsule endoscopy versus conventional upper endoscopy in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux diseases. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2005;39:572–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Koslowsky B, Jacob H, Eliakim R, et al. PillCam ESO in esophageal studies: improved diagnostic yield of 14 frames per second (fps) compared with 4 fps. Endoscopy. 2006;38:27–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Sharma P, Wani S, Rastogi A, et al. The diagnostic accuracy of esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus: a blinded, prospective study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103:525–32.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Lin OS, Schembre DB, Mergener K, et al. Blinded comparison of esophageal capsule endoscopy versus conventional endoscopy for a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux. Gastrointest Endosc. 2007;65:577–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Galmiche JP, Sacher-Huvelin S, Coron E, et al. Screening for esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus with wireless esophageal capsule endoscopy: a multicenter prospective trial in patients with reflux symptoms. Am J Gastroenterol. 2008;103:538–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Gralnek IM, Adler SN, Yassin K, et al. Detecting esophageal disease with second-generation capsule endoscopy: initial evaluation of the PillCam ESO 2. Endoscopy. 2008;40:275–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Ramirez FC, Akins R, Shaukat M. Screening of Barrett’s esophagus with string-capsule endoscopy: a prospective blinded study of 100 consecutive patients using histology as the criterion standard. Gastrointest Endosc. 2008;68:25–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Fernandez-Urien I, Borobio E, Elizalde I, Irisarri R, Vila JJ, Urman JM, Jimenez J. Z-line examination by the PillCam SB: prospective comparison of three ingestion protocols. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16:63–8.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Koulaouzidis A. Upper oesophageal images and Z-line detection with 2 different small-bowel capsule systems. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18:6003–4.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Koulaouzidis A, Douglas S, Plevris JN. Identification of the ampulla of Vater during oesophageal capsule endoscopy: two heads and viewing speed make a difference. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;23:361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Liao Z, Gao R, Xu C, Xu DF, Li ZS. Sleeve string capsule endoscopy for real-time viewing of the esophagus: a pilot study (with video). Gastrointest Endosc. 2009;70:201–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Hale W. Esophageal capsule endoscopy: the string is the thing. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009;70:210–1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Weston AP. String capsule endoscopy: a viable method for screening for Barrett’s esophagus? Gastrointest Endosc. 2008;68:32–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Rondonotti E, Villa F, Dell’ Era A, Tontini GE, de Franchis R. Capsule endoscopy in portal hypertension. Clin Liver Dis. 2010;14:209–20.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. http://www.bsg.org.uk/images/stories/docs/clinical/guidelines/liver/vari_hae.pdf .

  30. http://www.aasld.org/practiceguidelines/documents/bookmarked%20practice%20guidelines/prevention%20and%20management%20of%20gastro%20varices%20and%20hemorrhage.pdf .

  31. Eisen GM, Eliakim R, Zaman A, et al. The accuracy of PillCam ESO capsule endoscopy versus conventional upper endoscopy for the diagnosis of esophageal varices: a prospective three-center pilot study. Endoscopy. 2006;38:31–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Lapalus MG, Dumortier J, Fumex F, et al. Esophageal capsule endoscopy versus esophagogastroduodenoscopy for evaluating portal hypertension: a prospective comparative study of performance and tolerance. Endoscopy. 2006;38:36–41.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Lu Y, Gao R, Liao Z, Hu LH, Li ZS. Meta-analysis of capsule endoscopy in patients diagnosed or suspected with esophageal varices. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15:1254–8.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Ahn D, Guturu P. Meta-analysis of capsule endoscopy in patients diagnosed or suspected with esophageal varices. World J Gastroenterol. 2010;16:785–6.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Guturu P, Sagi SV, Ahn D, Jaganmohan S, Kuo YF, Sood GK. Capsule endoscopy with PILLCAM ESO for detecting esophageal varices: a meta-analysis. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2011;57:1–11.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Ramirez FC, Hakim S, Tharalson EM, Shaukat MS, Akins R. Feasibility and safety of string wireless capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of esophageal varices. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100:1065–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Stipho S, Tharalson E, Hakim S, Akins R, Shaukat M, Ramirez FC. String capsule endoscopy for screening and surveillance of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis. J Interventional Gastroenterol. 2012;2:54–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Ziachehabi A, Maieron A, Hoheisel U, Bachl A, Hagenauer R, Schöfl R. Capsule retention in a Zenker’s diverticulum. Endoscopy 2011;43 Suppl 2 UCTN:E387.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kropf JA, Jeanmonod R, Yen DM. An unusual presentation of a chronic ingested foreign body in an adult. J Emerg Med. 2013;44:82–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Kelly OB, O’Donnell S, O’Moráin CA. A case of achalasia diagnosed first on capsule endoscopy: find that hard to swallow? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010;22:1013–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Koulaouzidis A, Rondonotti E, Karargyris A. Small-bowel capsule endoscopy: a ten-point contemporary review. World J Gastroenterol. 2013;19:3726–46.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Alexandridis EG, Trimble K, Hayes P, Plevris JN. OC-045 Randomised prospective trial of transnasal versus standard upper diagnostic endoscopy under local anaesthetic: interim analysis of endoscopy quality, patient acceptability and tolerability. Gut. 2012;61:A19–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. http://www.intromedic.com/eng/sub_products_3.html .

  44. Keller J, Fibbe C, Volke F, Gerber J, Mosse AC, Reimann-Zawadzki M, RabinovitzE, Layer P, Swain P. Remote magnetic control of a wireless capsule endoscope in the esophagus is safe and feasible: results of a randomized, clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Gastrointest Endosc 2010;72:941–6.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Hale MF, Drew K, Baldacchino T, Anderson S, Sanders DS, Riley SA, Sidhu R, McAlindon ME. Gastroscopy without a gastroscope! feasibility in a porcine model using a magnetic capsule. Gut. 2013;62:A156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Rey JF, Ogata H, Hosoe N, Ohtsuka K, Ogata N, Ikeda K, Aihara H, Pangtay I, Hibi T, Kudo S, Tajiri H. Feasibility of stomach exploration with a guided capsule endoscope. Endoscopy. 2010;42:541–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Carpi F, Kastelein N, Talcott M, Pappone C. Magnetically controllable gastrointestinal steering of video capsules. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2011;58:231–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Di Biase L, Dodig M, Saliba W, Siu A, Santisi J, Poe S, Sanaka M, Upchurch B, Vargo J, Natale A. Capsule endoscopy in examination of esophagus for lesions after radiofrequency catheter ablation: a potential tool to select patients with increased risk of complications. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010;21:839–44.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. http://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-guidelines/endoscopy/guidelines-for-decontamination-of-equipment-for-gastrointestinal-endoscopy.html .

  50. Koulaouzidis A, Douglas S, Plevris JN. Refining the indications for oesophageal capsule endoscopy in a tertiary referral centre in Scotland. Endoscopy 2008;40:A 308.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Ang YL, Koulaouzidis A, Douglas S, Plevris JN. PTH-068 the use of oesophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with haemophilia. Experience from a tertiary centre. Gut. 2013;62:A238–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Gora MJ, Sauk JS, Carruth RW, Lu W, Carlton DT, Soomro A, Rosenberg M, Nishioka NS, Tearney GJ. Unsedated imaging of human upper GI tract using tethered capsule endomicroscopy. Gastroenterology 7 Aug 2013. (Epub ahead of print).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Gora MJ, Sauk JS, Carruth RW, Gallagher KA, Suter MJ, Nishioka NS, Kava LE, Rosenberg M, Bouma BE, Tearney GJ. Tethered capsule endomicroscopy enables less invasive imaging of gastrointestinal tract microstructure. Nat Med. 2013;19:238–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Ray K. Tethered capsule endomicroscopy of the oesophagus–an easy pill to swallow. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;10:129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Fillon SA, Harris JK, Wagner BD, Kelly CJ, Stevens MJ, Moore W, Fang R, Schroeder S, Masterson JC, Robertson CE, Pace NR, Ackerman SJ, Furuta GT. Novel device to sample the esophageal microbiome–the esophageal string test. PLoS ONE. 2012;7:e42938.

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Khan B, Ramirez FC, Shaukat M, et al. String capsule endoscopy: a novel application for the preoperative identification of a small-bowel obscure GI bleeding source (with video). Gastrointest Endosc. 2011;73(2):403–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Conflict of Interest Statement

Anastasios Koulaouzidis has received research Grant from Given®Imaging Ltd., Germany (ESGE-Given®Imaging Research Grant 2011) and material support for capsule endoscopy research from SYNMED©, both unrelated to the present work. Ms. S. Douglas and Prof J.N. Plevris has previously received research support from Fujinon Corp for a research fellow.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anastasios Koulaouzidis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Koulaouzidis, A., Douglas, S., Plevris, J.N. (2014). Oesophageal Capsule Endoscopy. In: Li, Z., Liao, Z., McAlindon, M. (eds) Handbook of Capsule Endoscopy. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9229-5_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9229-5_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-017-9228-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-9229-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics