Endoscopic Gastrointestinal Placement of Capsule Endoscopy to Investigate the Small Bowel: a Multicentric European Retrospective Series of 630 Procedures in Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Small bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) is a first line procedure for exploring the SB. Endoscopic GastroIntestinal PlacemenT (EGIPT) of SB CE is sometimes necessary. While the experience of EGIPT is large in pediatric populations, we aimed to describe the safety, efficacy and outcomes of EGIPT of SB CE in adult patients. METHODS: The international CApsule endoscopy REsearch (iCARE) group set up a retrospective multicenter study. Patients over 18 year-old who underwent EGIPT of SB CE before May 2022 were included. Data were collected from medical records and capsule recordings. The primary endpoint was the technical success rate of the EGIPT procedures. RESULTS: 630 patients were included (mean age 62.5 years old, 55.9% female) from 39,565 patients (1.6%) issued from 29 centers. EGIPT technical success was achieved in 610 procedures (96.8%). Anesthesia (moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia) and centers with intermediate or high procedure loads were independent factors of technical success. Severe adverse events occurred in three (0.5%) patients. When technically successful, EGIPT was associated with a high SB CE completion rate (84.4%) and with a substantial diagnostic yield (61.1%). Completion rate was significantly higher when the capsule was delivered in the SB compared to when delivered in the stomach. CONCLUSION: EGIPT of SB CE is highly feasible, safe and comes with high completion rate and diagnostic yield. When indicated, it should rather be performed under anesthesia and the capsule should be delivered in the duodenum rather than in the stomach, for better SB examination outcomes.

Impact of linked color imaging on the proximal adenoma miss rate: a multicenter tandem randomized controlled trial (the COCORICO trial).

BACKGROUND: Missed lesions are common during standard colonoscopy and are correlated with post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. Contrast-enhanced technologies have recently been developed to improve polyp detection. We aimed to evaluate the impact of linked color imaging (LCI) on the proximal adenoma miss rate in routine colonoscopy. METHODS: This national, multicenter, tandem, randomized trial compared the outcomes of colonoscopy with white-light imaging (WLI) versus LCI for polyp detection in the right colon. Two consecutive examinations of the right colon (upstream of the hepatic flexure) were made with WLI and LCI by the same operator. First-pass examination by WLI or LCI was randomized 1:1 after cecal intubation. According to statistical calculations, 10 endoscopy units had to include approximately 700 patients. The primary outcome was proximal adenoma miss rate. Secondary outcomes were the proximal miss rates for sessile serrated lesions (SSL), advanced adenomas, and polyps. RESULTS: 764 patients were included from 1 January 2020 to 22 December 2022, and 686 patients were randomized (345 WLI first vs. 341 LCI first). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics and indications. The proximal adenoma miss rate was not significantly higher in the WLI-first group (36.7%) vs. the LCI-first group (31.8%) (estimated mean absolute difference: 4.9% [95%CI -5.2% to 15.0%], P = 0.34). There was also no significant difference in miss rates for SSLs, advanced adenomas, and polyps in the proximal colon. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous data, this study does not support the benefit of LCI to the proximal adenoma miss rate in routine colonoscopy.

The environmental impact of small-bowel capsule endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The environmental impact of endoscopy, including small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), is a topic of growing attention and concern. This study aimed to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (kgCO2) generated by an SBCE procedure. METHODS: Life cycle assessment methodology (ISO 14040) was used to evaluate three brands of SBCE device and included emissions generated by patient travel, bowel preparation, capsule examination, and video recording. A survey of 87 physicians and 120 patients was conducted to obtain data on travel, activities undertaken during the procedure, and awareness of environmental impacts. RESULTS: The capsule itself (4 g) accounted for < 6 % of the total product weight. Packaging (43-119 g) accounted for 9 %-97 % of total weight, and included deactivation magnets (5 g [4 %-6 %]) and paper instructions (11-50 g [up to 40 %]). A full SBCE procedure generated approximately 20 kgCO2, with 0.04 kgCO2 (0.2 %) attributable to the capsule itself and 18 kgCO2 (94.7 %) generated by patient travel. Capsule retrieval using a dedicated device would add 0.98 kgCO2 to the carbon footprint. Capsule deconstruction revealed materials (e. g. neodymium) that are prohibited from environmental disposal; 76 % of patients were not aware of the illegal nature of capsule disposal via wastewater, and 63 % would have been willing to retrieve it. The carbon impact of data storage and capsule reading was negligible. CONCLUSION: The carbon footprint of SBCE is mainly determined by patient travel. The capsule device itself has a relatively low carbon footprint. Given that disposal of capsule components via wastewater is illegal, retrieval of the capsule is necessary but would likely be associated with an increase in device-related emissions.

Retention of small bowel capsule endoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Capsule endoscopy is widely recognized as a safe and effective procedure to evaluate the small bowel and/or the colon noninvasively. Although infrequent, capsule retention is the most feared adverse event related to this technique. A better knowledge of risk factors, improvement of patients' selection and precapsule patency assessment may further contribute to reducing the incidence of capsule retention, even in patients at increased risk for this complication. RECENT FINDINGS: This review addresses the main risk factors for capsule retention, strategies for risk reduction such as patients' selection, dedicated cross-sectional imaging and rational use of the patency capsule, as well as management options and outcomes in the case of capsule retention. SUMMARY: Capsule retention is infrequent, and it is usually manageable conservatively with favorable clinical outcomes. Patency capsules and dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional techniques such as CT or MR enterography should be used selectively and are both effective in decreasing the rate of capsule retention. However, none of them can completely eliminate the risk of retention.

Small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with Meckel's diverticulum: clinical features, diagnostic workup, and findings. A European multicenter I-CARE study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) may remain silent or be associated with adverse events such as GI bleeding. The main aim of this study was to evaluate indicative small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) findings, and the secondary aim was to describe clinical presentation in patients with MD. METHODS: This retrospective European multicenter study included patients with MD undergoing SBCE from 2001 until July 2021. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients with a confirmed MD were included. Median age was 32 years with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1. GI bleeding or iron-deficiency anemia was present in nearly all patients. Mean hemoglobin was 7.63 ± 1.8 g/dL with a transfusion requirement of 52.2%. Typical capsule endoscopy (CE) findings were double lumen (n = 49 [71%]), visible entrance into the MD (n = 49 [71%]), mucosal webs (n = 30 [43.5%]), and bulges (n = 19 [27.5%]). Two or more of these findings were seen in 48 patients (69.6%). Ulcers were detected in 52.2% of patients (n = 36). In 63.8% of patients (n = 44), a combination of double lumen and visible entrance into the MD was evident, additionally revealing ulcers in 39.1% (n = 27). Mean percent SB (small bowel) transit time for the first indicative image of MD was 57% of the total SB transit time. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of MD is rare and sometimes challenging, and a preoperative criterion standard does not exist. In SBCE, the most frequent findings were double-lumen sign and visible diverticular entrance, sometimes together with ulcers.

Small-bowel capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy for diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel disorders: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Update 2022.

MR1: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy as the first-line examination, before consideration of other endoscopic and radiological diagnostic tests for suspected small-bowel bleeding, given the excellent safety profile of capsule endoscopy, its patient tolerability, and its potential to visualize the entire small-bowel mucosa.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR2: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with overt suspected small-bowel bleeding as soon as possible after the bleeding episode, ideally within 48 hours, to maximize the diagnostic and subsequent therapeutic yield.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR3: ESGE does not recommend routine second-look endoscopy prior to small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected small-bowel bleeding or iron-deficiency anemia.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. MR4: ESGE recommends conservative management in those patients with suspected small-bowel bleeding and high quality negative small-bowel capsule endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR5: ESGE recommends device-assisted enteroscopy to confirm and possibly treat lesions identified by small-bowel capsule endoscopy.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR6: ESGE recommends the performance of small-bowel capsule endoscopy as a first-line examination in patients with iron-deficiency anemia when small bowel evaluation is indicated.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR7: ESGE recommends small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with suspected Crohn's disease and negative ileocolonoscopy findings as the initial diagnostic modality for investigating the small bowel, in the absence of obstructive symptoms or known bowel stenosis.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. MR8: ESGE recommends, in patients with unremarkable or nondiagnostic findings from dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional imaging, small-bowel capsule endoscopy as a subsequent investigation if deemed likely to influence patient management.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. MR9: ESGE recommends, in patients with established Crohn's disease, the use of a patency capsule before small-bowel capsule endoscopy to decrease the capsule retention rate.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR10: ESGE recommends device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) as an alternative to surgery for foreign bodies retained in the small bowel requiring retrieval in patients without acute intestinal obstruction.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. MR11: ESGE recommends DAE-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (DAE-ERCP) as a first-line endoscopic approach to treat pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy (except for Billroth II patients).Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

Endoscopic sigmoidopexy for recurrent sigmoid volvulus in inoperable patients: a retrospective series of 15 patients.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent sigmoid volvulus is frequent and sometimes occurs in frail patients with contraindications to surgical sigmoidectomy. Percutaneous endoscopic sigmoidopexy (PES) has recently been proposed as an alternative to elective sigmoidectomy. We aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of PES. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent PES for recurrent sigmoid volvulus at two French centers between January 2017 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective case series. Recurrent sigmoid volvulus was defined as at least two symptomatic episodes treated by endoscopic decompression. Under endoscopic guidance, anchors were placed to attach the sigmoid to the anterior abdominal wall, allowing the placement of pigtail Chait catheters. RESULTS: 15 patients (60 % female; median age 74 years [range 49-96]) were included. Median number of previous sigmoid volvulus episodes was 3 (range 2-6). Procedures were technically successful with no intraprocedural adverse events for 14 patients (93 %). Peritonitis occurred at Day 2 in one patient (serious adverse event rate 7 %). Median follow-up time was 10 months (range 1-30). No sigmoid volvulus recurrence occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSION: PES using Chait catheters was feasible and effective for recurrent sigmoid volvulus and should be considered as an alternative to sigmoidectomy in inoperable patients.

Feasibility and diagnostic yield of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in patients with surgically altered gastric anatomy: the SAGA study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known about small-bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with a history of gastric surgery. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield (DY) of orally ingested SB-CE in patients with surgically altered gastric anatomy. METHODS: Twenty-four European centers retrospectively identified patients who had SB-CE after total or subtotal gastrectomy. The primary outcome was the DY of SB-CE (intermediate P1 to highly P2 relevant findings). Secondary outcomes were gastric and SB transit times, completion, cleanliness, and adverse event rates. RESULTS: Studied were 248 procedures from 243 patients (mean age, 62 years) with a history of partial gastrectomy (Billroth I, 13.1%; Billroth II, 34.6%), total gastrectomy (7.4%), Whipple procedure (12.8%), sleeve gastrectomy (7.2%), or gastric bypass surgery (24.7%). Obscure GI bleeding was the most frequent indication (85.1%). SB completion rate was 84.3%. One capsule retention in the SB was noted (adverse event rate, .4%). Median SB transit time was 286 minutes (interquartile range [235; 387]). Cleanliness was rated as adequate in 92.1% of procedures. After exclusion of abnormalities found at the upper anastomotic site, the DY was 43.6%, with inflammatory/ulcerated lesions observed more frequently (23.4%) than vascular lesions (21.0%). CONCLUSIONS: SB-CE seems to be feasible and safe in selected patients with a history of major gastric surgery and comes with a high DY. The spectrum of abnormal SB findings in these patients may be different from what is known from the literature in nonoperated patients.

A neural network-based algorithm for assessing the cleanliness of small bowel during capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Cleanliness scores in small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) have poor reproducibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate a neural network-based algorithm for automated assessment of small-bowel cleanliness during capsule endoscopy. METHODS: 600 normal third-generation SBCE still frames were categorized as "adequate" or "inadequate" in terms of cleanliness by three expert readers, according to a 10-point scale, and served as a training database. Then, 156 third-generation SBCE recordings were categorized in a consensual manner as "adequate" or "inadequate" in terms of cleanliness; this testing database was split into two independent 78-video subsets for the tuning and evaluation of the algorithm, respectively. RESULTS: Using a threshold of 79 % "adequate" still frames per video to achieve the best performance, the algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 90.3 %, specificity of 83.3 %, and accuracy of 89.7 %. The reproducibility was perfect. The mean calculation time per video was 3 (standard deviation 1) minutes. CONCLUSION: This neural network-based algorithm allowing automatic assessment of small-bowel cleanliness during capsule endoscopy was highly sensitive and paves the way for automated, standardized SBCE reports.

Implementation of European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommendations for small-bowel capsule endoscopy into clinical practice: Results of an official ESGE survey.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to document international practices in small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), measuring adherence to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) technical and clinical recommendations. METHODS: Participants reached through the ESGE contact list completed a 52-item web-based survey. RESULTS: 217 responded from 47 countries (176 and 41, respectively, from countries with or without a national society affiliated to ESGE). Of respondents, 45 % had undergone formal SBCE training. Among SBCE procedures, 91 % were performed with an ESGE recommended indication, obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), and suspected/established Crohn's disease being the commonest and with higher rates of positive findings (49.4 %, 38.2 % and 53.5 %, respectively). A watchful waiting strategy after a negative SBCE for OGIB or IDA was preferred by 46.7 % and 70.3 %, respectively. SBCE was a second-line exam for evaluation of extent of new Crohn's disease for 62.2 % of respondents. Endoscopists adhered to varying extents to ESGE technical recommendations regarding bowel preparation ( > 60 %), use in those with pacemaker holders (62.5 %), patency capsule use (51.2 %), and use of a validated scale for bowel preparation assessment (13.3 %). Of the respondents, 67 % read and interpreted the exams themselves and 84 % classified exams findings as relevant or irrelevant. Two thirds anticipated future increase in SBCE demand. Inability to obtain tissue (78.3 %) and high cost (68.1 %) were regarded as the main limitations, and implementation of artificial intelligence as the top development priority (56.2 %). CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, endoscopists follow ESGE guidelines on using SBCE in clinical practice. However, variations in practice have been identified, whose implications require further evaluation.

Artificial intelligence in small bowel capsule endoscopy - current status, challenges and future promise.

Neural network-based solutions are under development to alleviate physicians from the tedious task of small-bowel capsule endoscopy reviewing. Computer-assisted detection is a critical step, aiming to reduce reading times while maintaining accuracy. Weakly supervised solutions have shown promising results; however, video-level evaluations are scarce, and no prospective studies have been conducted yet. Automated characterization (in terms of diagnosis and pertinence) by supervised machine learning solutions is the next step. It relies on large, thoroughly labeled databases, for which preliminary "ground truth" definitions by experts are of tremendous importance. Other developments are under ways, to assist physicians in localizing anatomical landmarks and findings in the small bowel, in measuring lesions, and in rating bowel cleanliness. It is still questioned whether artificial intelligence will enter the market with proprietary, built-in or plug-in software, or with a universal cloud-based service, and how it will be accepted by physicians and patients.

Nancy Index Scores of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Associate With Development of Colorectal Neoplasia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The degree of histologic and endoscopic disease activity has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), but no histologic scoring systems have been validated for determining risk of CRN. We investigated the association between histologic and endoscopic disease activity and risk of first CRN in patients with IBD who had negative findings from a surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent at least 2 colonoscopies at Saint Antoine Hospital in France from January 1, 1996, through March 1, 2015, and whose first procedure was a surveillance colonoscopy. Histologic IBD activity was assessed by the Nancy histologic index. Patients were followed up for a mean 5.7 ± 3.3 years. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to identify clinical, endoscopic, and histologic factors associated with detection of neoplasia in the inflamed colon mucosa. RESULTS: Among 398 patients who underwent 1277 colonoscopies, we identified 45 patients with CRN. Factors associated with CRN were primary sclerosing cholangitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% CI, 1.06-6.61; P = .04), age (OR per 1-year increase, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; P = .003), and mean Nancy histologic index during follow-up evaluation (per 1-unit increase, OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.29-2.21; P < .001). After adjustment for established factors, chronic disease activity defined as detection of ulcerations at more than 50% of colonoscopies was not associated with an increased risk of CRN (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.53-2.91; P = .62). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to established risk factors, we associated Nancy histologic index scores with development of CRN. Histologic findings based on the Nancy histologic index therefore should be included in determining the risk of colonic neoplasia in patients with IBD.

Curriculum for small-bowel capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy training in Europe: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recognized the need to formalize training in small-bowel endoscopy across European centers. The following criteria and framework for training in small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE), which aim to provide uniform and high quality training to ensure that small-bowel endoscopists are competent to operate independently, are based on the current literature and experience of experts in the field. Three main areas are covered: skills required prior to commencing training in small-bowel endoscopy; structured training for trainees to become independent endoscopists; and ways of ensuring competence is achieved. 1 : Centers providing training in SBCE should perform a minimum of 75 - 100 SBCEs/year. 2 : Experience in bidirectional endoscopies is desirable for structured training in SBCE. 3 : SBCE courses should consist of at least 50 % hands-on training and cover information on technology, indications and contraindications for SBCE, pathologies that can be encountered on SBCE, and standard terminology that should be used during reporting of SBCE. An SBCE course should be completed prior to achieving competence in SBCE reporting. 4 : Competence in SBCE can be assessed by considering a minimum of 30 SBCEs. Direct Observation of Procedural Skills, short SBCE videos, and multiple-choice questions can be useful to assess improvement in the skills of trainees. 5 : Centers offering training in DAE should aim to carry out at least 75 DAEs/year, should have direct links with an SBCE service, and should allow regular discussion of cases at a radiology small-bowel MDT. Training centers with lower numbers are encouraged to offer training by "buddying-up" with other centers, or using mentoring systems. 6 : DAE trainees must be independent in bidirectional endoscopies and have experience in level 1 polypectomy prior to commencement of training. They should also be competent in reviewing SBCEs. 7 : Training in DAE should be structured with a minimum of 75 procedures, including 35 retrograde DAEs, with therapeutic procedures undertaken in at least 50 % of the DAEs performed. Training should cover the indications, contraindications, complications including prevention, and technicalities of the DAE procedure; formal evaluation should follow. DAE trainees must acquire skills to independently manage and advise on small-bowel pathology following DAE procedures. 8 : It is highly recommended that international societies develop online modules and courses on DAE, which are currently lacking across Europe.

Back-to-Back Comparison of Colonoscopy With Virtual Chromoendoscopy Using a Third-Generation Narrow-Band Imaging System to Chromoendoscopy With Indigo Carmine in Patients With Lynch Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopic screening with indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (ICC) in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) improves the adenoma detection rate but is time consuming and poorly used in clinical practice. Narrow-band imaging (NBI), a virtual chromoendoscopy technique, highlights superficial mucosal vessels and improves adenoma characterization. We conducted a prospective multicenter trial in a back-to-back fashion to compare the third-generation NBI with ICC for detecting colonic adenomas in patients with LS. METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, noninferiority trial, 138 patients underwent a double colonoscopy, first with NBI, followed by ICC, in a back-to-back design. The primary noninferiority outcome measure was the number of patients with at least one adenoma after NBI compared with the number of patients with at least one adenoma after NBI and ICC. RESULTS: The 138 analyzable patients were all proven mismatch repair mutation carriers for LS (MLH1 = 33%, MSH2 = 47%, MSH6 = 15%, PMS2 = 4%, and EPCAM = 1%). The mean age (SD) was 40.5 (14.7) years, and 64 (46.4%) were men. The median withdrawal time for an NBI procedure was 8 minutes (interquartile range 6-11) compared with 13 minutes (interquartile range 8-17) for ICC. At least one adenoma was detected during the initial NBI pass in 28 patients (20.3%), and 42 patients (30.4%) had at least one adenoma detected after both NBI and ICC (difference, 10.1%; 95% confidence interval, -0.1%-20.3%); this represents an increase of 50.0% of the adenoma detection rate. ICC detected additional adenomas in 25 patients (18.1%). DISCUSSION: Colonoscopy combining NBI and ICC detects more adenomas than third-generation NBI alone in patients with LS, respectively, 30.4% vs 20.3% (difference, 10.1%; 95% confidence interval, -0.1 to 20.3), thus failing the noninferiority assumption of NBI compared with combined NBI and ICC. Although less time consuming, colonoscopy using the third-generation NBI cannot be recommended to replace ICC in patients with LS.

A neural network algorithm for detection of GI angiectasia during small-bowel capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: GI angiectasia (GIA) is the most common small-bowel (SB) vascular lesion, with an inherent risk of bleeding. SB capsule endoscopy (SB-CE) is the currently accepted diagnostic procedure. The aim of this study was to develop a computer-assisted diagnosis tool for the detection of GIA. METHODS: Deidentified SB-CE still frames featuring annotated typical GIA and normal control still frames were selected from a database. A semantic segmentation images approach associated with a convolutional neural network (CNN) was used for deep-feature extractions and classification. Two datasets of still frames were created and used for machine learning and for algorithm testing. RESULTS: The GIA detection algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 96%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. Reproducibility was optimal. The reading process for an entire SB-CE video would take 39 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The developed CNN-based algorithm had high diagnostic performances, allowing detection of GIA in SB-CE still frames. This study paves the way for future automated CNN-based SB-CE reading softwares.