European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guideline for Video Capsule Endoscopy

Introduction

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) represents a significant advance in the investigation of intestinal diseases. The performance of the procedure and the indications for it are reviewed here in order to establish guidelines for its use, in accordance with current knowledge based on clinical practice and the published literature. In this guideline, all of the technical features described refer to the M2A Given Imaging video capsule (Given Imaging, Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel).

Video capsule endoscopy is a new technique in which a disposable video capsule is used that is swallowed by the patient. This allows visualization of the segment of the small bowel that is not within the reach of standard upper and lower endoscopy. The main current indication for capsule endoscopy is an obscure source of gastrointestinal bleeding. VCE may be particularly helpful in identifying the cause of bleeding when standard upper endoscopy and colonoscopy examinations are negative.