Dr Pritash Patel introduces state of the art Video Capsule Endoscopy at the Clock House.
Video Capsule Endoscopy (VCE) is a safe, simple, non-invasive and reliable means of assessing the whole GI tract, and in particular the small bowel. This was an area that was previously impossible to visualize adequately. The capsule itself is a disposable, small, swallowable and wireless camera which allows direct visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The initial video capsules were developed by Given Imaging (Yoqneam, Israel) and approved in Europe by the European Medicines Agency and in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration in 2001. Since then, almost 1 million video capsules have been used Worldwide.
Video capsules are extremely effective at diagnosing small bowel pathologies without the need for tests involving harmful radiation or invasive surgery. They are most useful for diagnosing causes of obscure GI bleeding and small bowel Crohn’s disease. They can also be used for surveillance in patients suffering from a number of chronic conditions. More recently video capsules with cameras on both ends of the device have been developed to look specifically at the Oesophagus and the Colon. Oesophageal capsules can be used for surveillance in patients with Barrett’s and to diagnose varices in patients presenting with an acute upper GI bleed. Colon capsules are useful for patients who cannot tolerate colonoscopy or where colonoscopy is incomplete. Therefore the indications for capsule endoscopy are expanding year on year and can provide patients with an effective alternative to currently available diagnostic modalities that may be less acceptable or that carry inherent risks.
By providing this service, the Clock House continues to provide its patients with the latest diagnostic tests. Dr Pritash Patel, Consultant Gastroenterologist, said: “Video Capsules are playing an increasingly vital role in helping us to diagnose hard to find illnesses. Previously patients may have suffered for years or more before the cause of their pain or bleeding was discovered. These devices will complement our existing diagnostic tests in Gastroenterology and provide an invaluable service.”