Right lateral position does not affect gastric transit times of video capsule endoscopy: a prospective study

BackgroundVideo capsule endoscopy (VCE) examination of the small bowel is not complete in approximately 20% of the procedures. This fact limits its diagnostic yield. One of the main factors that influences the small-bowel transit time (SBTT) is the gastric transit time (GTT), ie, the interval in which the capsule stays in the stomach. It has been described that placing the patient in a right lateral position (RLP) after swallowing the capsule could decrease the GTT.ObjectiveTo investigate whether the RLP, after the patient swallows the capsule, shortens the GTT and, secondarily, increases the rate of complete procedures.DesignRandomized prospective study.SettingThird-level hospital.PatientsConsecutive outpatients in whom VCE was indicated. Exclusion criteria were inpatients and previous gastric surgery.InterventionGTT for RLP 30 minutes after swallowing the capsule versus non-RLP (standing up position).Main Outcome MeasurementsThe GTT, SBTT, and rate of complete procedures (examination of the entire small bowel).ResultsWe did not observe significant differences in the GTT, the SBTT, and the complete procedures between groups.LimitationOnly outpatients were included.ConclusionsRLP after swallowing the capsule does not influence either GTT nor the rate of VCE complete procedures.