Colon Capsule Endoscopy: what factors predict an incomplete examination?

Aims The most important factors for a successful colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) study are the quality of bowel preparation and the capsule excretion during battery life. Incomplete colonoscopy is one of the main indications for CCE. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and demographic factors for complete CCE after incomplete colonoscopy.

Methods A retrospective single-center study was conducted, including patients consecutively submitted to CCE with previous incomplete colonoscopy. Complete examination was defined as visualization of hemorrhoidal plexuses during battery time. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, BMI, hypothyroidism, constipation, depression, opioid therapy, psychotropic medication and previous abdominal surgery) were collected.

Results 197 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 67 years, 71.6% were women. The main reasons for incomplete colonoscopy were impassable angulation (54.8%) and irreducible loop (40.1%). CCE was incomplete in 32.5% (n=64) of cases. Bowel preparation was inadequate in 30.5% (n=60). Constipation was a risk factor for incomplete CCE study (OR 2.962; p=0.021, 95% CI 1.178-7.264), as well as obesity (OR 4.407;p=0.020, 95% CI 1.263-15.373). The clinical indication for the examination did not show a statistically significant relationship with the rate of incompleteexaminations (p=0.603). There were no statistically significant differences between the percentage of incomplete CCE in patients with incomplete colonoscopy due to impassable angulation versus irreducible loop (33.3% vs 33.3%, p=1.000).

Conclusions Constipation and obesity are factors associated with a higher risk of incomplete CCE study. In these patients,intensification or alteration of the bowel preparation protocols used may be considered.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
27. März 2025