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Page 4 of 8 Imai et al. Mini-invasive Surg 2024;8:2 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1225.2023.67

Figure 2. Flowchart for patient selection.

Outcomes
The study outcomes included patency capsule findings (excretion, excretion time, capsule transformation,
colonic or intestinal lesions, and modality used to detect lesions), capsule endoscopy findings (small
intestine transit time, redness, erosions and ulcers, angioectasia, stenosis, tumor, and diverticulum), and
capsule endoscopy-related adverse events (including abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, retention,
and cardiovascular events). The study endpoints included recurrence of small intestinal obstruction, defined
as abdominal symptoms, such as vomiting or abdominal pain, and contrast-enhanced CT findings of small
intestinal obstruction.

Statistical analysis
The primary statistical analysis was performed for all eligible patients. The study endpoint was small
intestinal obstruction recurrence. Data were censored one year after enrollment or loss to follow-up. The
Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of small intestinal obstruction
recurrence at three months to one year. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (version 9.4;
SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

RESULTS
Of the 31 patients enrolled, eight were excluded, and the remaining 23 were enrolled, including 14 with
adhesive ileus and three with band ileus on contrast-enhanced CT [Figure 2].

Table 1 presents the baseline characteristics of patients. The mean age of the patients was 62.13 years, and 14
(60.87%) were males. Thirteen patients (56.52%) had a history of surgery. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed
band adhesions in three patients and a small intestinal tumor in one patient.