In their article ‘Diagnostic Accuracy for Per-Patient Polyp Detection of Second-Generation Capsule Endoscopy Compared to Colonoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Multicenter Studies,’ authors Hassam Ali, Rahul Pamarthy, Shiza Sarfraz and Eslam Ali compare the outcomes of 5 multicenter studies that analysed the accuracy of colon capsule endoscopy vs. colonoscopy.
While the usual challenges continue to be reported, especially the ability to achieve well-prepped, complete passage procedures, the ability to accurately detect relevant polyps is confirmed. Specificity is well with typical interobserver variance in colonoscopies. What remains are the questions on how to deal with the information generated by the procedures, specifically what to do with diminutive polyps.
The answer to that question might be more driven by policies and economics than clinical insights… However, they should be answered soon to see the outcomes that everybody is aspiring to: more capacity for digestive disease diagnostics with higher patient satisfaction at lower prices.
Reference:
Ali, Hassam, Rahul Pamarthy, Shiza Sarfraz, and Eslam Ali. “Diagnostic Accuracy for Per-Patient Polyp Detection of Second-Generation Capsule Endoscopy Compared to Colonoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Multicenter Studies.” Cureus 13, no. 8 (August 30, 2021). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.17560.