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Page 6 of 8 Imai et al. Mini-invasive Surg 2024;8:2 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1225.2023.67

Table 2. Small intestinal patency in patients who did not excrete patency capsules (n = 11)
Patient X-ray findings Ultrasound findings CT findings
Case 1 × × Detected
Case 2 Detected Detected Detected
Case 3 × × Detected
Case 4 Detected × Detected
Case 5 Detected Detected Detected
Case 6 Detected Detected Detected
Case 7 Detected Detected Detected
Case 8 Detected × Detected
Case 9 Detected × Detected
Case 10 Detected Detected Detected
Case 11 Detected Detected Detected
“×”: indicates that patency was not detected.

Figure 3. Patients with Meckel’s diverticulum and ileum ganglioneuroma. (A) Capsule endoscopy revealed a double lumen, indicating
Meckel’s diverticulum; (B) Capsule endoscopy (left panel) and balloon endoscopy (middle tumor) revealed a small intestinal tumor,
which was resected (right panel).

[Figure 3]. Of the remaining two patients, one had a history of catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis, and
another had no history of surgery. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed ileum dilation and ileum intussusception
in these patients, respectively. These patients underwent surgical resection. Sixteen of the 23 patients
completed the one-year follow-up, whereas seven patients were lost to follow-up. During a mean follow-up
period of 292 ± 121 days, no cases of recurrence of small intestinal obstruction were observed.

DISCUSSION
This preliminary, prospective observational study demonstrated that capsule endoscopy can determine the
cause of small intestinal obstruction after the obstruction is relieved. Confirmation of small intestinal
patency before capsule endoscopy is crucial to ensure patient safety. The identification of small intestinal
obstruction by capsule endoscopy can prevent short-term recurrence.