Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Dec 16, 2024; 16(12): 627-631
Published online Dec 16, 2024. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i12.627
Colon capsule endoscopy: Can it contribute to green endoscopy?
Konosuke Nakaji
Konosuke Nakaji, Endoscopy Center, Aishinkai Nakae Hospital, Wakayama-shi 6408461, Japan
Author contributions: Nakaji K designed the concept and outline of the article, and drafted and edited the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author declares no conflict of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Konosuke Nakaji, FACP, Doctor, Endoscopy Center, Aishinkai Nakae Hospital, 30-1 Funadokoro, Wakayama-shi 6408461, Japan. parupurikopui@yahoo.co.jp
Received: May 23, 2024
Revised: October 7, 2024
Accepted: October 24, 2024
Published online: December 16, 2024
Processing time: 202 Days and 20.9 Hours
Abstract

Climate change due to sustained carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions poses a serious threat to human existence, such as extreme weather events that must be addressed in all sectors of society. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a healthcare sector that produces high levels of CO2 emissions. Colonoscopy (CS) is the gold standard for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening that reduces the number of CRC-related deaths. However, vast amounts of cleaning solutions used to disinfect the colonoscope are disposed of, and multiple nonrenewable wastes are generated in performing CS, which significantly impact the environment. Currently, colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) retains good accuracy and has excellent potential to reduce CO2 emission through a simple procedure. However, to date, colon capsules are single-use and lack a clear collection pathway. In addition, there is a lack of specific data regarding the environmental impact of CCE. Further research is needed to prove that CCE is a more environmentally friendly tool than CS.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide emission; Colon capsule endoscopy; Colonoscopy; Colorectal cancer screening; Green endoscopy

Core Tip: Climate change caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is an urgent and inevitable global emergency. The gastrointestinal endoscopy unit has a higher CO2 footprint than other units in healthcare facilities. Colonoscopy (CS) contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) can potentially reduce the number of CS cases and CO2 emissions from medical procedures. However, to date, colon capsules are single-use, with no clear collection pathway available. In addition, there are no concrete data or studies to support these claims. Further research is, therefore, required to prove CCE as a more environmentally friendly alternative to CS.