Is Panenteric PillcamTM Crohn's Capsule Endoscopy Ready for Widespread Use? A Narrative Review.

Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease are increasingly subjected to repeat colonoscopic and radiological examinations to assess the extent of the disease severity and the effects of treatment. PillcamTM Crohn's video capsule, a modified colon capsule, was developed to generate a minimally invasive mouth to rectum video of the gastrointestinal tract. The capsule provides a wide-angle panoramic mucosal view to assess inflammation, ulceration, stenosis, disease extent, and effect of treatment. This review summarizes the evidence of its utility in both adult and paediatric Crohn's disease and reviews the scoring systems used to quantify findings. The literature survey indicates that the PillcamTM Crohn's capsule offers high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of inflammatory lesions and the extent and distribution of disease, and it could be considered a reliable imaging modality in both adults and childhood with Crohn's disease.

Colon Capsule Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Colon Polyps: Who Needs a Colonoscopy?

Colon screening programs have reduced colon cancer mortality. Population screening should be minimally invasive, safe, acceptably sensitive, cost-effective, and scalable. The range of screening modalities include guaiac or immunochemical fecal occult blood testing and CT colonography and colonoscopy. A number of carefully controlled studies concur that second-generation capsule endoscopy has excellent sensitivity for polyp detection and a high negative predictive value. Colon capsules fulfill the screening expectation of safety, high sensitivity for polyp detection, and patient acceptance, and appear to straddle the divide between occult blood testing and colonoscopy. While meeting these criteria, there remains the challenges of scaling, capsule practitioner training, resource allocation, and implementing change of practice. Like CT colonography, capsule screening presents the clinician with a decision on the threshold for colonoscopy referral. Overall, colon capsules are an invaluable tool in polyp detection and colon screening and offer a filter that determines "who needs a colonoscopy?".

The Effect of Prucalopride on the Completion Rate and Polyp Detection Rate of Colon Capsule Endoscopies.

Purpose: To investigate whether the prokinetic prucalopride increases the completion rate of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). Secondary outcomes included demographic distribution, polyp detection rate (PDR), distribution of Leighton-Rex grade, and adverse events. Patients and Methods: In a nested cohort within the CareForColon2015 trial, a subgroup of 406 individuals underwent CCE in 2021. The first half (control) received the standard bowel preparation and the second half (prucalopride) was supplemented with 2 mg of prucalopride. Transit times and bowel preparations were analyzed and completion rates calculated as those having timely transit and acceptable bowel cleanliness. Major adverse events were recorded continuously and minor adverse events were quantified from questionnaires. Results: The group demographics were homogenous. The prevalence ratio for complete CCE was 1.32 (CI 95% 1.15; 1.53) in the prucalopride group compared to the control group. Completion rate was 74.9% in the prucalopride group and 56.7% in the control group. The proportions of acceptable bowel preparation and complete transits were higher in the prucalopride group. The mean CCE transit time was 2 hours and 8 minutes faster in the prucalopride group. The PDR was higher in the intervention group with 55.7% compared to 36.0% in the control group for polyps greater than 9 mm, whereas the groups' PDRs were similar for small and diminutive polyps. In all, 589 polyps (mean 2.9) were found in the prucalopride group compared to 522 polyps (mean 2.6) in the control group. Conclusion: Prucalopride led to an increase in CCE completion rates. The proportions of complete transits and acceptable bowel preparations were higher in the prucalopride group. The PDR was higher in the prucalopride group compared to the control group. No major adverse events were identified. Nausea, diarrhea, headache and fatigue were more commonly reported in the prucalopride group.

Review: Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption in healthcare services and has had a substantial impact on the care of patients with chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Endoscopy services were significantly restricted, resulting in long waiting lists. There has been a growing interest in the use of capsule endoscopy in the diagnostic pathway and management of these patients. This review explores the published literature on the role of colon capsule endoscopy in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease as a method for mucosal assessment of extent, severity, and response to treatment. Colon capsule preparation regimens and scoring systems are reported. The studies indicate that, despite inherent limitations of minimally invasive capsule endoscopy, there is increasing evidence to support the use of the second-generation colon capsule in inflammatory bowel disease evaluation, providing an additional pathway to expedite investigation of appropriate patients especially during and after the pandemic.

Population-Based Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Abnormalities at Colon Capsule Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The population prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disease is unclear and difficult to assess in an asymptomatic population. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of GI lesions in a largely asymptomatic population undergoing colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). METHODS: Participants aged between 50-75 years were retrieved from the Rotterdam Study, a longitudinal epidemiological study, between 2017-2019. Participants received CCE with bowel preparation. Abnormalities defined as clinically relevant were Barrett segment >3cm, severe ulceration, polyp >10 mm or ≥3 polyps in small bowel (SB) or colon, and cancer. RESULTS: Of 2800 invited subjects, 462 (16.5%) participants (mean age 66.8 years, female 53.5%) ingested the colon capsule. A total of 451 videos were analyzed, and in 94.7% the capsule reached the descending colon. At least 1 abnormal finding was seen in 448 (99.3%) participants. The prevalence of abnormalities per GI segment, and the most common type of abnormality, were as follows: Esophageal 14.8% (Barrett's esophagus <3 cm in 8.3%), gastric 27.9% (fundic gland polyps in 18.1%), SB abnormalities 33.9% (erosions in 23.8%), colon 93.3% (diverticula in 81.2%). A total of 54 participants (12%) had clinically relevant abnormalities, 3 (0.7%) in esophagus/stomach (reflux esophagitis grade D, Mallory Weiss lesion and severe gastritis), 5 (1.1%) in SB (polyps > 10 mm; n = 4, severe ulcer n = 1,) and 46 (10.2%) in colon (polyp > 10 mm or ≥3 polyps n = 46, colorectal cancer n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: GI lesions are very common in a mostly asymptomatic Western population, and clinically relevant lesions were found in 12% at CCE. These findings provide a frame of reference for the prevalence rates of GI lesions in the general population.

Upper gastrointestinal video capsule endoscopy: The state of the art.

BACKGROUND: Video capsule can illuminate the entire gastrointestinal mucosa. Upper gastrointestinal capsule endoscopy (UGICE) has the potential to survey for oesophageal, gastric and duodenal pathology and determine whether biopsy or intervention is indicated. AIMS: This review traces the evolution of foregut video capsule endoscopy. METHODS: A broad literature research was performed independently by two investigators. Extracted articles were organized and evaluated to interpret all current data. RESULTS: In contrast to small bowel capsule, UGICE required sequential innovations to deal with rapid oesophageal transit, the irregular shape of the stomach and unpredictable gastric peristalsis. Oesophageal capsule endoscopy required the development of a two-camera device operating at a high frame rate, and postural change was developed to improve image capture, especially at the level of the Z-line, thus providing good imaging of Barrett's oesophagus, erosive oesophagitis and oesophageal varices, with optimal patients' tolerance. UGICE in patients presenting to the emergency room with acute bleeding has demonstrated accuracy when deciding on the need for emergency intervention. The latest development of a high frame rate UGICE, designed to image the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum has overtaken dedicated oesophageal capsule development. Capsule control is possible by exposing a magnetised capsule to an external magnetic field, and early reports indicate high accuracy in the oesophagus and stomach with high levels of patient acceptability. There is little information on cost-benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Capsule endoscopy offers gastroenterologists a new device to investigate the upper gastrointestinal tract with promising future potential.

Training in video capsule endoscopy: Current status and unmet needs.

Since its introduction to clinical practice nearly 20 years ago, wireless capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the landscape in the diagnosis and management of small bowel diseases. Over the past 10 years, capsule endoscopy has evolved beyond the small intestine and a range of capsules are now available to examine the esophagus, stomach and colon. Because of its ease of use, tolerability, paucity of complications and ability to visualize the entire gastrointestinal tract, capsule endoscopy has entered the mainstream of clinical practice. This review of the literature summarizes the current state of capsule training and highlights the limited data available to assess reader competence and standards expected of an independent practitioner. There are neither standardized teaching strategies nor national or international metrics for accreditation of physicians and non-physicians interested in mastering this examination. Summating the few publications, there appears to be consensus that diagnostic expertise improves with experience, and that trainees should be fully supervised for at least 20 full case studies. Formative and summative assessment is advisable and the number of taught cases should not be the sole determinant of competence. The review also highlights differences in recommendations from major national gastroenterology societies. Finally, the authors discuss areas of unmet needs in teaching and learning for capsule endoscopy.

Non-small bowel lesion detection at small bowel capsule endoscopy: A comprehensive literature review.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy is a minimally-invasive endoscopic investigation that is often used in clinical practice to investigate overt or occult gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding among other clinical indications. International guidance recommends small bowel capsule endoscopy as a first-line investigation to detect abnormalities in the small bowel, when gastroscopy and colonoscopy fail to identify a cause of GI bleeding. It can diagnose with accuracy abnormalities in the small bowel. However, there has been increasing evidence indicating that small bowel capsule endoscopy may also detect lesions outside the small intestine that are within the reach of conventional endoscopy and have been probably missed during prior endoscopic investigations. Such lesions vary from vascular deformities to malignancy and their detection often alters patient management, leading to further endoscopic and/or surgical interventions. The current study attempts to review all available studies in the literature and summarise their relevant findings.

Patient tolerance and acceptance of different colonic imaging modalities: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Less invasive alternatives to optical colonoscopy (OC) may improve patient compliance with investigation, but study of patient preference is limited. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine patient tolerance and acceptability of OC, computed tomography colonography (CTC) and colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) and also to determine the choice of investigation made by fully informed members of the lay public. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients assigned a Gloucester Comfort Score (GCS, 1-5; as did endoscopists), an overall test experience score (visual analogue scale, 0-10) and completed a 'Friends and Family Test' following OC, CTC or CCE. In the second part of the study, members of the public were given information detailing the nature, tolerance, acceptability, risks and outcomes and invited to choose which test they would prefer in the event that one was needed. RESULTS: Assessed by endoscopist and patient, respectively, 24.2 and 49.3% (P<0.005) of symptomatic and 27.3 and 22.1% (P=0.4) of Bowel Cancer Screening Programme patients suffered moderate to severe discomfort (GCS: 4-5) [GCS (mean±SEM): 3.32±0.085, 1.96±0.083 and 1.30±0.088 (P<0.001); overall experience: 5.43, 2.35 and 3.80 (P<0.001)]. In all, 93.6, 96.1 and 85.7% of OC, CTC and CCE patients, respectively, were willing to undergo the same test under the same circumstances. The lay public (n=100) chose a noninvasive test (CTC or CCE) in 55% of the cases to investigate symptoms and chose a Bowel Cancer Screening Programme test in 29% of the cases (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patient tolerance and experience favours CTC and CCE over OC and informed about all aspects of each procedure; a noninvasive option is commonly chosen by the lay public.

Proof of concept: short-term non-invasive cervical vagus nerve stimulation in patients with drug-refractory gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric electric stimulation (GES) is a treatment approach to refractory gastroparesis, possibly acting centrally via afferent vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Non-invasive VNS (nVNS) is a potential alternative to GES that could eliminate the safety risks of or identify likely responders to implantable neurostimulators. OBJECTIVE: This open-label proof-of-concept study assessed the effects of nVNS in patients with severe drug-refractory gastroparesis. METHODS: Patients used the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) to grade symptoms in diaries daily for 2 weeks before treatment (baseline) and during ≥3 weeks of nVNS therapy. Adverse events (AEs) were also diarised. Treatment was self-administered using an nVNS device (gammaCore, electroCore) and consisted of 120 s stimulations to the vagus nerve in the neck (two stimulations to each side three times daily during weeks 1 and 2; three stimulations to each side three times daily during week 3 and beyond). Response was defined as a ≥1 point decrease from baseline in GCSI score. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients enrolled; 23 were compliant with study procedures and were included in the analysis; 7 continued treatment beyond 3 weeks. Response rates were 35% (8/23) at 3 weeks and 43% (10/23) for the duration of therapy (3-6 weeks). For the entire cohort and the 10 responders, improvements from baseline were noted for mean total GCSI and GCSI subscale scores (nausea/vomiting, postprandial fullness/early satiety, bloating). No serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results provide a signal that nVNS may be useful for treating refractory gastroparesis. Larger controlled studies are warranted.

Elevated liver enzymes in inflammatory bowel disease: the role and safety of infliximab.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal liver enzymes are frequently encountered in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Infliximab has been implicated in inducing drug-induced liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis or reactivation of hepatitis B virus. We aimed to clarify the role of infliximab in liver impairment in an IBD cohort. STUDY: A total of 305 patients with IBD, without evidence of chronic liver disease, were included in the study and retrospectively evaluated. Laboratory and clinical data were retrieved from a prospectively acquired database. In all, 176 consecutive patients treated with infliximab during the last 5 years were compared with a matched population of 129 patients who did not receive any antitumour necrosis factor treatment. RESULTS: Elevation of alanine transaminase (ALT) was frequent in the entire population (36.4%) and it was not significantly associated with the use of infliximab (P=0.284). Elevations more than 3 upper limit of normal were observed in 7.9% and these resolved spontaneously in 83%. The use of immunomodulators was the only factor that was significantly associated with liver enzyme abnormalities in multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR) 2.666, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.576-4.511, P<0.005]. Overall, 39% of patients on infliximab had elevated liver enzymes and this was associated with increased ALT before starting infliximab (OR 3.854, 95% CI 1.800-8.251, P=0.001) and with longer duration of infliximab treatment (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.013-1.047, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Elevated liver enzymes are frequently found in IBD patients and they usually resolve spontaneously. The use of immunomodulators was independently associated with increased ALT. Infliximab is relatively safe in terms of liver impairment and discontinuation of treatment is rarely required in the setting of modest elevations of ALT.

Role of virtual reality simulation in endoscopy training.

Recent advancements in virtual reality graphics and models have allowed virtual reality simulators to be incorporated into a variety of endoscopic training programmes. Use of virtual reality simulators in training programmes is thought to improve skill acquisition amongst trainees which is reflected in improved patient comfort and safety. Several studies have already been carried out to ascertain the impact that usage of virtual reality simulators may have upon trainee learning curves and how this may translate to patient comfort. This article reviews the available literature in this area of medical education which is particularly relevant to all parties involved in endoscopy training and curriculum development. Assessment of the available evidence for an optimal exposure time with virtual reality simulators and the long-term benefits of their use are also discussed.

The educational value of ward rounds for junior trainees.

The ward round (WR) is a complex task and medical teachers are often faced with the challenge of finding a balance between service provision and clinical development of learners. The educational value of WRs is an under-researched area. This short communication aims to evaluate the educational role of WRs for junior trainees and provides insight into current practices. It also identifies obstacles to effective teaching/training in this setting and provides suggestions for improving the quality of WR teaching.

Using an 'action set' for the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: We studied the management of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (AUGIB) at the Royal Free Hospital. The aim was to compare our performance with the national standard and determine ways of improving the delivery of care in accordance with the recently published 'Scope for improvement' report. METHODS: We randomly selected patients who presented with haematemesis, melaena, or both, and had an oesophageogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) between April and October 2009. We developed local guidelines and presented our findings in various forums. We collaborated with the British Medical Journal's Evidence Centre and Cerner Millennium electronic patient record system to create an electronic 'Action Set' for the management of patients presenting with AUGIB. We re-audited using the same standard and target. RESULTS: With the action set, documentation of pre-OGD Rockall scores increased significantly (p ≤ 0.0001). The differences in the calculation and documentation of post-OGD full Rockall scores were also significant between the two audit loops (p = 0.007). Patients who inappropriately received proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) before endoscopy were reduced from 73.8% to 33% (p = 0.02). Patients receiving PPIs after OGD were also reduced from 66% to 50% (p = 0.01). Discharges of patients whose full Rockall score was less than or equal to two increased from 40% to 100% (p = 0.43). CONCLUSION: The use of the Action Set improved calculation and documentation of risk scores and facilitated earlier hospital discharge for low-risk patients. Significant improvements were also seen in inappropriate use of PPIs. Actions sets can improve guideline adherence and can potentially promote cost-cutting and improve health economics.

Consensus guidelines for the use of bowel preparation prior to colonic diagnostic procedures: colonoscopy and small bowel video capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Adequate bowel preparation prior to colonic diagnostic procedures is essential to ensure adequate visualisation. SCOPE: This consensus aims to provide guidance as to the appropriate use of bowel preparation for a range of defined clinical circumstances. A consensus group from across Europe was convened and met to discuss appropriate bowel preparation. The use of polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium picosulphate and sodium phosphate (NaP), together with other agents, prokinetics and simethicone, in colonoscopy and small bowel video capsule endoscopy were considered. A systematic review of the literature was carried out and additional unpublished data was obtained from the members of the consensus group where required. Recommendations were graded according to the level of evidence. FINDINGS: PEG-based regimens are recommended first line for both procedures, since their use is supported by good efficacy and safety data. Sodium-picosulphate-based regimens are recommended second line as their cleansing efficacy appears less than PEG-based regimens. NaP is not recommended for bowel cleansing due to the potential for renal damage and other adverse events. However, the use of NaP is acceptable in patients in whom PEG or sodium picosulphate is ineffective or not tolerated. NaP should not be used in patients with chronic kidney disease, pre-existing electrolyte disturbances, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis or a history of hypertension. The timing of the dose, dietary restrictions, use in special patient groups and recording of the quality of bowel preparation are also considered for patients undergoing colonoscopy. During the development of the guidelines the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) issued guidance on bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The ESGE guidelines and these consensus guidelines share many recommendations; differences between the guidelines are reviewed. CONCLUSION: The use of bowel preparation should be tailored to the individual patient and their specific clinical circumstances.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 3-D computerized tomography colonography versus optical colonoscopy for imaging symptomatic gastroenterology patients.

BACKGROUND: When symptomatic gastroenterology patients have an indication for colonic imaging, clinicians have a choice between optical colonoscopy (OC) and computerized tomography colonography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3-D CTC). 3-D CTC provides a minimally invasive and rapid evaluation of the entire colon, and it can be an efficient modality for diagnosing symptoms. It allows for a more targeted use of OC, which is associated with a higher risk of major adverse events and higher procedural costs. A case can be made for 3-D CTC as a primary test for colonic imaging followed if necessary by targeted therapeutic OC; however, the relative long-term costs and benefits of introducing 3-D CTC as a first-line investigation are unknown. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of 3-D CTC versus OC for colonic imaging of symptomatic gastroenterology patients in the UK NHS. METHODS: We used a Markov model to follow a cohort of 100,000 symptomatic gastroenterology patients, aged 50 years or older, and estimate the expected lifetime outcomes, life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs (£, 2010-2011) associated with 3-D CTC and OC. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the base-case cost-effectiveness results to variation in input parameters and methodological assumptions. RESULTS: 3D-CTC provided a similar number of LYs (7.737 vs 7.739) and QALYs (7.013 vs 7.018) per individual compared with OC, and it was associated with substantially lower mean costs per patient (£467 vs £583), leading to a positive incremental net benefit. After accounting for the overall uncertainty, the probability of 3-D CTC being cost effective was around 60 %, at typical willingness-to-pay values of £20,000-£30,000 per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: 3-D CTC is a cost-saving and cost-effective option for colonic imaging of symptomatic gastroenterology patients compared with OC.

A pilot study comparing ESO-2 capsule endoscopy with conventional upper endoscopy for the assessment of uncomplicated heartburn and dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: ESO-2 video capsule endoscopy provides images of the oesophageal mucosa and continues to transmit gastric, and often small bowel images, for up to 30 min. This study compares ESO capsule endoscopy capsule oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (Cap-OGD) with conventional endoscopy (OGD). METHODS: 50 outpatients with uncomplicated dyspepsia underwent Cap-OGD followed by OGD which was recorded on DVD. Cap-OGD and OGD were each reported independently by two gastroenterologists. A benchmark report was also produced by two gastroenterologists viewing both Cap-OGD and OGD on side-by-side monitors. Major findings included large hiatus hernia, Barrett's oesophagus, oesophagitis, erosive gastritis, tumour and ulceration. Minor findings included histologically-proven superficial gastritis, pouting gastric folds and fundic gland polyps. A questionnaire assessed the patient experience. RESULTS: 49 patients completed the study. In 61%, Cap-OGD transmitted in the duodenum. In the benchmark study, all the major OGD findings were observed on Cap-OGD. Cap-OGD revealed fewer minor findings. When reported independently, Cap-OGD and OGD reports indicated differences in interpretation most marked between the capsule readers with or without previous ESO-2 experience. Patients expressed a clear preference for Cap-OGD. CONCLUSIONS: When compared side-by-side, all the major findings on OGD are seen on Cap-OGD while there is under-reporting of minor findings. Previous experience of ESO-2 capsule reporting improves reading accuracy and indicates the need for training. This pilot study provides a backdrop to explore the possible role of Cap-OGD, especially where patients are reluctant to undergo conventional OGD or where there is risk of prion contamination of the endoscope.

Development and validation of the Bowel Cleansing Impact Review (BOCLIR).

OBJECTIVE: Acceptability and tolerability of bowel cleansers influence whether patients are able to complete the prescribed dose and, consequently, the quality of the cleansing achieved. No standardised means of assessing patients' experience of using bowel cleansing is currently available. The aim of the study was to develop the Bowel Cleansing Impact Review (BOCLIR) to assess patient response to bowel cleansing products. DESIGN: Content was derived from qualitative interviews. Face and content validity were assessed via cognitive-debriefing interviews. Finally, patients completed the BOCLIR and a demographic questionnaire. Item response theory (Rasch analysis) was employed for item reduction and assessment of unidimensionality. Internal consistency and construct validity were also assessed. RESULTS: Analysis of 40 interviews resulted in the production of three scales; patient satisfaction, symptomatic impact and activity limitations. Scales were designed to be used alone or together. 19 debriefing interviews demonstrated BOCLIR acceptability, relevance and ease of completion. The validation survey involved 166 patients (52% male, mean (SD) age 54.3 (15.2) years). After misfitting and redundant items were removed all scales fit the Rasch model confirming their unidimensionality. Cronbach's α-coefficients were high (0.77-0.94) indicating good internal consistency. Scores on the BOCLIR were related to patients' willingness to use the product in future and ease of drinking the full preparation (p<0.01 for each scale). CONCLUSIONS: The BOCLIR is a new measure consisting of three unidimensional scales (satisfaction, symptoms and activity limitations) with good psychometric and scaling properties. The BOCLIR will allow accurate assessment of patients' response to bowel cleansing preparations.

Meta-analysis: efficacy of small bowel preparation for small bowel video capsule endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: It is unclear whether small bowel visibility in video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is enhanced by the use of bowel preparation in addition to pre-procedural fasting. The objective of this study was to clarify this issue by means of a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials comparing the use of laxative bowel preparation with fasting alone were identified using a literature search. Categorical measures of treatment efficacy were extracted from qualifying studies and pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. Primary analysis compared any bowel preparation with fasting alone; subsidiary analyses assessed diagnostic yield and results for each regimen. RESULTS: Eight studies were identified, using either polyethylene glycol (PEG) or sodium phosphate (NaP) based regimens. No qualifying studies were identified using other laxatives. Study quality was sufficiently high to warrant meta-analysis. Use of any form of bowel preparation yielded significantly better visibility than fasting alone (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.46-3.63; p < 0.0001). Similar results were seen for diagnostic yield (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.24-2.84; p = 0.023). When sub-analysed according to the treatment used, PEG-based regimens showed benefit (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.96-4.94; p < 0.0001), while NaP-based regimens yielded no significant difference from fasting alone (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.59-2.96; p < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS: The study did not consider results from retrospective studies, nor those which did not give a categorical measure of efficacy. The impact of prokinetic and other adjunctive treatments was not considered. The results are only relevant to the most commonly used video capsule, as data for newer alternative devices have not yet been published. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this analysis, the use of bowel preparation alongside fasting is recommended for VCE. PEG-based regimens offer a clear advantage in these patients, while the currently available evidence base does not support the use of NaP. For VCE, lower volume PEG appears to be as efficacious as higher volumes traditionally used for colonoscopy preparation.