Follow-up outcomes in patients with negative initial colon capsule endoscopy findings

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a noninvasive and easy procedure for detecting colorectal lesions when difficult to perform colonoscopy (CS). The incidence of CCE has been increasing due to its noninvasive nature and low risk of infection during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, its follow-up on efficacy remains unknown.

Research motivation

Currently, guidelines recommend that patients with no significant findings on initial CCE should repeat CCE every five years, or follow up with another screening test. However, there is limited evidence in clinical practice.

Research objectives

The study’s main objective was to investigate the follow-up outcomes in Japanese patients without polyp and colonic cancer at the initial CCE.

Research methods

Thirty-one consecutive Japanese patients negative for polyp and cancer lesions on initial CCE were analyzed.

Research results

We propose that researchers conduct a multicenter, prospective, long-term follow-up of initial CCE screening results.

Research conclusions

Our study determined the outcomes of Japanese patients with negative CCE results.

Research perspectives

The mean follow-up period was 3.1 years; CS was determined to be the most common method of follow-up after the initial CCE (n = 20). Five colonic polyps (three in the ascending colon, one in the transverse colon, and one in the descending colon) were identified through follow-up CS; based on the Narrow-band imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic classification, these were classified as type 1 and 2 polyps. Histopathological findings included a hyperplastic polyp in one patient, and adenoma with low grade dysplasia in four patients; no deaths due to colorectal cancer, or severe adverse events, were observed in any patient during follow-up.