Review ArticleCapsule endoscopy in Crohn's disease - Indications and reservations 2008

Capsule endoscopy (CE) was found to be an effective tool in diagnosis of small bowel pathology. This review will focus on its role in Crohn's disease. Its role in patients with suspected Crohn's disease (CD) is described. CE has an established role for diagnosing CD when other tests are negative, though it is not a first line investigative tool in these patients. Over diagnosis is of concern. Its use in established CD remains an open question. It can provide exact mapping of small bowel disease before surgery, and might have impact on the treatment of the disease. It may have role in monitoring mucosal healing, which is becoming a target of therapy, and may help establish the exact diagnosis in a limited group of patients with indeterminate colitis. Retention of CE might occur. It is of low rate in patients with suspected CD and higher in patients with known CD but clinical obstruction is extremely rare. Economic considerations are a limit to a wider application of the CE.