ISSN 2167-0404
International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences Vol. 2 (2), pp. 063- 064, January, 2012.(ISSN: 2167-0404) © International Scholars Journals
Case Report
Capsule endoscopy related small bowel obstruction in a patient with radiation enteritis
Muhammad A Khattak1, Hilary L Martin2, Jonathan Martin3, Paul Hollington4 and Ganessan Kichenadasse5
1MBBS Oncology Registrar Flinders Medical Centre
2MBBS Oncology Registrar Calvary Hospital
3MBBS, FRACP Gastroenterologist Flinders Medical Centre
4MBBS, PhD, FRACS Colorectal Surgeon Flinders Medical Centre
5MBBS, FRACP Medical Oncologist Flinders Medical Centre
Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected]
Received November 28, 2011; Accepted February 11, 2012
Abstract
Capsule endoscopy is indicated primarily to identify small intestine pathology. Capsule retention is an uncommon complication of capsule endoscopy which can sometimes result in symptomatic bowel obstruction. We report a case of an 84 year old gentleman with a past history of locally advanced prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy about 20 years ago, who was investigated for occult gastrointestinal blood loss with a capsule endoscopy. He developed symptomatic small bowel obstruction related to capsule endoscopy due to undiagnosed strictures related to past radiotherapy. There has been only one other reported case of symptomatic bowel obstruction as a complication of capsule endoscopy in a patient previously treated with radiotherapy for endometrial cancer. This case highlights the need for cautious use of capsule endoscopy in patients having a past history of abdominal or pelvic radiotherapy, who may have enteric strictures.
Key words: capsule endoscopy, radiotherapy, prostate cancer, radiation enteritis