Right lateral position does not affect gastric transit times of video capsule endoscopy: a prospective study

Background: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) examination of the small bowel is not complete in approximately 20% of the procedures. This fact limits' its diagnostic yield. One of the main factors that influences the small-bowel transit time (SBTT) is the gastric transit time (GTT), ie, the interval in which the capsule stays in the stomach. It has been described that placing the patient in a right lateral position (RIP) after swallowing the capsule I could decrease the GTT. Objective: To investigate whether the RLP, after the patient swallows the capsule, shortens the GTT and, secondarily, increases the rate of complete procedures. Design: Randomized prospective study. Setting: Third-level hospital. Patients: Consecutive outpatients in whom VCE was indicated. Exclusion criteria were inpatients and previous gastric surgery. Intervention: GTT for RLP 30 minutes after swallowing the capsule versus non-RLP (standing up position). Main Outcome Measurements: The GTT, SBTT, and rate of complete procedures (examination of the entire small bowel). Results: We did not observe significant differences in the GTT, the SBTT, and the complete procedures between groups. Limitation: Only outpatients were Included. Conclusions: RLP after swallowing the capsule does not influence either GTT nor the rate of VCE complete procedures. (Gastrointest Endosc 2009;69:34-7.)