Recent advances in endoscopic capsule imaging: see what we have been missing.

Depiction of the small intestine has always been a challenge because of its length and tortuosity. The development of capsule endoscopy has been a significant advance that has allowed for more complete small intestine evaluations. The capsule is disposable, captures 2 images per second, and has a battery life of approximately 8 hours. Images are transmitted to a data recorder via digital radio frequency communication, and downloaded to the workstation computer, where it can be read by a gastroenterologist. One of the complications of use is capsule retention; however, a patency capsule has been developed that indicates whether obstruction is present before capsule endoscopy is performed. Capsule endoscopy has renewed interest in the diagnosis and evaluation of small intestinal diseases, been partly responsible for increased research in this area, and led to the development of newer radiologic and endoscopic techniques to evaluate the small intestine.