Wireless
capsule endoscopy is a new tool in the armamentarium of the gastroenterologist to evaluate the small bowel non-invasively. It allows improved diagnostic yield with low complication rates relative to traditional modalities. But this new technology has its own set of complications, some which can lead to significant morbidity. Here, we present a case of complete small bowel obstruction following a
capsule endoscopy. A 65-year-old female with a long standing history of
anemia and obscure gastrointestinal bleed presented to the Emergency Department 72 hours after a wireless
capsule endoscopy procedure complaining of worsening
abdominal pain, distension, and frequent
vomiting. An X-ray was suggestive of complete distal small bowel obstruction with the
capsule at the transition point of dilated proximal and collapsed distal small bowel. The patient was resuscitated and taken up for an explorative
laparotomy where a short segment
stricture was noted with the
capsule endoscope caught proximal to it. The segment was resected and patient made an uneventful recovery. Wireless
capsule endoscopy is now becoming the preferred method to image the small bowel. Our report illustrates the importance of appropriate patient selection and evaluation of functional patency of the small bowel may be with a contrast series prior to wireless
capsule endoscopy to avoid any post procedural morbidity.