Wireless capsule endoscopy in Israeli Defense Force: two years of experience.

Objectives: Evaluate outcome and diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy (CE) in soldiers with suspected small bowel disease, in comparison to traditional diagnostic procedures.

Methods: 27 consecutive soldiers who underwent CE between June 2002 and February 2004 were enrolled. Results of CE were compared to standard techniques.

Results: CE was normal in 16 patients (59.3%). Findings could not explain any signs or symptoms were observed in 11.1%. Definite diagnosis of Crohn's disease was obtained in 11.1%. Patients (62.5%) with a triad of symptoms (abdominal pain, changed bowel habits, and gastrointestinal bleeding) versus 15.8% without that triad, had either diagnostic or suspicious CE (p = 0.015). Diagnostic yield of CE was higher in gastrointestinal bleeding (25%) in comparison to suspected Crohn's disease (15.8%). Three out of 6 patients (50%) with suggestive findings of Crohn's disease in the preliminary workup were diagnosed as definite Crohn's by capsule endoscopy. CE allowed the physician to conclude workup in 71% patients.

Conclusion: CE should be used when obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or Crohn's disease is suspected without a conclusive diagnosis. Furthermore, when a triad of symptoms exists CE should be considered as first line examination.