Capsule Endoscopy: A Primer for the Endoscopist: Ten Ways to Prevent Capsule Retention and Delayed Passage

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) has become an increasingly important part of the workup for diseases of the small bowel. Although a relatively safe diagnostic tool, a small percentage of patients undergoing WCE will retain the capsule endoscope. There are strategies the endoscopist may use to minimize the complication of capsule retention, the most important of which is to thoroughly prescreen patients being considered for WCE. In patients that have risk factors, order appropriate studies before proceeding with WCE. In patients where probable complicating pathology has been identified, reconsider using the WCE or use strategies such as endoscopic-guided capsule endoscopy to avoid potential problems.