New ingestible capsule ‘can offer alternative to colonoscopy’

A camera-equipped capsule has been developed by researchers as a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy.

The PillCam Colon 2 is now being introduced in the US, having received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use in certain patients who require a colonoscopy, but are not deemed clinically suitable to receive one.

This system consists of a capsule with two miniature cameras on either end that travels through the digestive tract after being swallowed, capturing images that are wirelessly transmitted to a recorder the patient wears on a belt.

It can help identify growths called polyps before simply being excreted and flushed away, while the data is returned to the doctor to help inform further treatment decisions.

The system is painless and requires no anaesthesia, making it suitable for those with challenging anatomies, or those at risk of complications due to age or other reasons.

Dr Mukund Venu, director of clinical operations and director of diagnostic testing for Loyola Medicine's division of gastroenterology, said: "Early detection has been proven to save lives, and the video capsule system offers a convenient screening test for people who are unable to have a complete colonoscopy."

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