Capsule Endoscopy in the Southern Trust: The First 100 Cases

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Introduction

The Capsule Endoscopy (CE) Service for the Southern Trust has been operational in Daisy Hill Hospital since 2011. Images are interpreted by a single gastroenterologist. The audit was undertaken to assess diagnostic yield and service efficiency.

Methods

Data were obtained retrospectively using CE reports and electronic patient records

Results

100 (48F) CE were performed between January 2012 and May 2014 (2012 n=44, 2013 n=41, 2014 n=14). Average age=44.7 years (range 16-87). Indications for CE were obscure GI bleeding n=32(%), suspected SB Crohn’s disease n=54(%), Crohn’s disease activity assessment n= 8(%) and other n=5(%). Forty-eight (%) were normal, Crohn’s disease was detected in 18 (%), bleeding source was identified in n =13 (%). Other pathology was found in 15 patients. CE was repeated in 3 patients. Two capsules were retained, one in oesophagus – advanced into stomach with subsequent OGD; the other required surgical removal. Poor prep and food residue impaired images in 6 patients. Of the 13 patients who had a bleeding source identified, 4 proceeded to enteroscopy, 7 had repeat OGD (4 APC +1 gastric polypectomy), the remainder were reviewed in clinic. Referral date was available for 78 patients, the average waiting time for CE=69.9 days (range 6–248). Time to reporting=22.9 days (range 2–75).

Conclusion

CE has a diagnostic yield comparable to other published series. Our waiting and reporting times compare favourably with other centres. These could be improved further by training a nurse endoscopist in CE.