Capsule endoscopy related small bowel obstruction in a patient with radiation enteritis

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.