Abstract

Conventional modalities for examination of the small bowel have significant limitations. Capsule endoscopy can allow visualization of areas of the small bowel, and is used to diagnose the etiology of gastrointestinal bleeding, small bowel involvement of Crohn's disease, small bowel tumors, polyposis syndromes as well as drug induced ulcers. The problems associated with capsule endoscopy are capsule retention after ingestion and inability to visualize an entire small bowel due to limitation of battery capacity and inadequate image generation. There are no guidelines for procedures to remedy capsule retention. We report a case of natural passage of a capsule after 31 days in a patient with small bowel ulcer due Crohn's disease using medical treatment. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2006;32:141⁣146)

• Keywords: Capsule endoscopy, Crohn's disease, Capsule retention, Non natural excretion