Authors' recommendations: In determining the etiology of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, CE:  has a higher sensitivity than magnetic resonance enteroclysis, computed tomography, or PE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE]: very low);  has a lower specificity than magnetic resonance enteroclysis, computed tomography, or PE (GRADE: very low);  has a good safety profile with few adverse events (GRADE: very low), although there is a risk of capsule retention and comparative safety data with other diagnostic modalities are limited;  is perceived by patients to be more tolerable and less burdensome than PE, double-balloon enteroscopy, or magnetic resonance enteroclysis (GRADE: very low);  is associated with no difference in patient health-related outcomes such as rebleeding or follow-up treatment compared with PE, small-bowel follow-through, or angiography (GRADE: low); and  would result in an additional expenditure of about $763,000 CAD to complement PE procedures in eligible patients, an estimated 50% of those undergoing PE, according to expert opinion.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.hqontario.ca/Portals/0/Documents/eds/ohtas/recommendation-capsule-endoscopy-1502-en.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Health Quality Ontario

Contact Address: Evidence Development and Standards, Health Quality Ontario, 130 Bloor Street West, 10th floor, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 1N5

Contact Name: EDSinfo@hqontario.ca

Contact Email: OH-HQO_hta-reg@ontariohealth.ca

Copyright: Health Quality Ontario