Role Of Capsule Endoscopy To Detect Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of disorders which cause inflammation of the tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. This includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD leads to symptoms like abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, bloody stools, weight loss and fever.

There has been an increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD among all groups of individuals. This condition is not fatal but it can pose major health complications. Hence, accurate diagnosis and monitoring are essential for the proper management of IBD.

One of the advanced diagnostic tools in recent years to examine and treat IBD is capsule endoscopy. The procedure is non-invasive and can overcome the limitations of traditional endoscopy.

What Is A Capsule Endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that involves the swallowing of a small capsule with an attached camera in it. The capsule transverses through the abdomen and captures the images of the digestive tract. These images are then sent to the recorder which is worn by the patient.

The gastroenterologist views the images to look for the minute problems in the abdomen. One of the primary advantages of capsule endoscopy is that it allows to detection of subtle abnormalities in the areas of the small intestine where a traditional endoscope cannot reach.

How Capsule Endoscopy Is Used To Diagnose Patients With Crohn’s Disease

Capsule endoscopy is an effective and less invasive way to view the entire length of the small intestine in patients with Crohn’s disease. Moreover, capsule endoscopy is also used when the results of the ileocolonoscopy (another endoscopic test to diagnose IBD) are negative but the suspicion of the disease is very high.

Capsule endoscopy even captures the severity and identifies complications such as strictures and inflammation in the intestine which can affect the treatment outcomes.

How Do Gastroenterologists Use Capsule Endoscopy To Manage Ulcerative Colitis?

The role of capsule endoscopy in diagnosing ulcerative colitis is very similar to detecting Crohn’s disease. With the help of capsule endoscopy, gastroenterologists look for abnormalities accurately which might mimic ulcerative colitis. The procedure gives a detailed visualization of the small intestine to monitor bowel strictures and inflammation.

This allows for effective management of the diseases and even helps in treatment adjustment for improved outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Advantages Of Capsule Endoscopy Over Traditional Endoscopy For IBD

Let’s take a look at some of the features of capsule endoscopy which makes it a better option to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

1. Less invasive and patient-friendly
   During capsule endoscopy, patients are just required to swallow a tiny pill which is ultimately excreted during bowel movement. No sedation is required before the procedure. As a result, the procedure is more comfortable and less intimidating for patients.
2. Comprehensive visualization
   Capsule endoscopy provides an in-depth look at the areas of the small intestine which are inaccessible through traditional endoscopy. The high-resolution images allow gastroenterologists to look for minor abnormalities in the intestinal which might not be possible with other procedures. Moreover, with this procedure, the gastroenterologist even detects the progression of the IBD.
3. No complications
   Traditional endoscopy results in complications like bleeding, perforation and inflammation. Some patients have even reported pain and discomfort after the procedure because of the insertion of a long tube into the esophagus through the mouth. However, in capsule endoscopy, there is no risk of such complications thereby making it a safe procedure.

Conclusion

Capsule endoscopy has been a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of IBD. As technology continues to advance, the procedure will play a more significant role in the detection of various other serious ailments.