Capsule Endoscopy and Deep Enteroscopy in Irritable Bowel Disease

Abstract

In approximately one-third of Crohn's disease patients, the disease is confined to the small bowel, inaccessible to the reach of standard endoscopy. Thorough and complete evaluation of the small bowel is crucial in such patients for the initial diagnosis, prognostication, and disease monitoring. Video capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy have revolutionized the ability to visualize the small-bowel mucosa. This article reviews the literature pertaining to the use of capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy in established Crohn's disease, including the major indications, applications, and safety issues.

Keywords: Classification; Crohn’s disease; Device-assisted enteroscopy; Mucosal healing; Postoperative recurrence; Small-bowel video capsule endoscopy.