Telemetric capsule-based upper gastrointestinal tract – blood detection – first multicentric experience
Thomas Brunk, Arthur Schmidt, J Hochberger, Edris Wedi, Benjamin Meier, Georg Braun, Frank Neser, M Schneider, Jennis Kandler, Peter Bauerfeind, Michael Repp, Vincens Weingart, Markus Brand, Karel Caca, Andreas Wannhoff, Helmut Messmann, Symon Karpynec, Ilja Kubisch, Jörg Albert, Horst Neuhaus, Lukas Schmitz, Hans–Dieter Allescher, Alexander Meining, Armin Kuellmer
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: acute (Ovesco Endoscopy, Tuebingen, Germany) is a pill-shaped, orally administered sensor capsule for real-time blood detection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the system in clinical routine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: had been used at 12 international hospitals between July 2019 and March 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Indications for application were the clinical suspicion of UGIB, small bowel bleeding, of rebleeding after hemostasis. Primary endpoints were technical success and bleeding detection/exclusion. Secondary endpoints included adverse events and change of clinical course. RESULTS: The capsule was used in 45 (73%) patients with UGIB, in 12 (20%) patients with small bowel bleeding and in four (7%) patients for exclusion of rebleeding. Technical success was 98%. 35/60 (58%) cases were capsule-positive and among these, endoscopy showed bleeding in 20/35 (57%) cases. None of the 25 capsule-negative patients rebled. Emergency endoscopy could be avoided in 18/25 (72%) cases. Serious adverse events did not occur. CONCLUSION: -based blood detection is feasible and safe. Negative capsule results might 'downgrade' the need for urgent endoscopy.