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©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2008; 14(34): 5254-5260
Published online Sep 14, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.5254
Published online Sep 14, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.5254
Esophageal capsule endoscopy
Ignacio Fernandez-Urien, Cristina Carretero, Raul Armendariz, Miguel Muñoz-Navas, Department of Gastroenterology, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31080, Spain
Author contributions: Fernandez-Urien I and Carretero C wrote the paper; Armendariz R reviewed bibliography and selected pictures; Muñoz-Navas M reviewed the paper.
Correspondence to: Ignacio Fernandez-Urien, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, University of Navarra, Av. Pio XII, 36, Pamplona 31080, Spain. ifurien@unav.es
Telephone: +34-948-255400 Fax: +34-948-296500
Received: February 26, 2008
Revised: August 23, 2008
Accepted: August 30, 2008
Published online: September 14, 2008
Revised: August 23, 2008
Accepted: August 30, 2008
Published online: September 14, 2008
Abstract
Capsule endoscopy is now considered as the first imaging tool for small bowel examination. Recently, new capsule endoscopy applications have been developed, such as esophageal capsule endoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy. Esophageal capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected esophageal disorders is feasible and safe, and could be also an alternative procedure in those patients refusing upper endoscopy. Although large-scale studies are needed to confirm its utility in GERD and cirrhotic patients, current results are encouraging and open a new era in esophageal examination.
Keywords: Capsule endoscopy, Esophagus, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Varices, Esophagoscopy, PillCam ESO