Use of Capsule Endoscopy for Established Crohn's Disease

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a way to evaluate the mucosa of the small intestine. Until recently, the only way to evaluate the small bowel mucosa in a patient who has Crohn's disease was by barium small bowel radiographs and intubation of the distal terminal ileum. By comparison, WCE is significantly more sensitive. This article reviews how WCE can be used to reveal the extent of disease and to evaluate unexplained symptoms. Post-operative recurrence, mucosal healing, and capsule retention are also covered. There is significant uncertainty regarding the role of capsule endoscopy in the setting of known inflammatory bowel disease and at this time, use of WCE as a tool for the evaluation of mucosal healing or for prognostication of post-operative recurrence remains investigational.