Abstract

Background
/Aims: Capsule endoscope (CE) is a new method of investigating entire small bowel (SB). Some reported that current battery time was sufficient for observing entire SB, but others reported negatively. The aims of this study were to determine the factors influencing the entire SB transit rate. Methods: From Sep. 2002 to Aug. 2003, CE was performed in 197 cases and they were devided into complete/incomplete transit according to getting ileocecal valve image within battery time. sixteen cases were excluded due to anatomical abnormality or artificial procedure. one hundred eighty one cases were analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results: The complete SB transit rate was 63.5%. Mean battery time was 7½ hrs. Gastric transit time (GTT) was significantly shorter in complete group than in incomplete group but the other factors (age, sex, preparation, symptom) were not significant. Mean small bowel transit time in complete group was 4½ hrs and ranged from 1 to 8 hrs. In incomplete group (66 cases), 2 cases were reached to distal jejunum, 11 cases to proximal ileum, and the other 53 cases to distal ileum. Conclusions: Complete SB transit rate of CE was 63.5% in the 181 cases under current battery time. GTT was the only significant factor influencing gastrointestinal transit rate of CE. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2004;29:175⁣180)

• Keywords: Capsule endoscope, Gastrointestinal transit rate