PillCam SB3 vs. PillCam SB2: Can technologic advances in capsule endoscopy improve diagnostic yield in patients with small bowel bleeding?

Introduction and objective: The SB3 capsule endoscopy system has better image resolution and the capacity to increase the number of images from 2 to 6 frames per second. Small bowel bleeding is the most common indication. The aim To determine if the advances in capsule endoscopy technology increase diagnostic yield in cases of small bowel bleeding, according to the Saurin classification. Material and methods: A retrospective, observational, analytic, cross-sectional study included 100 SB2 capsule endoscopies and 100 SB3 capsule endoscopies in patients that presented with small bowel bleeding. The findings obtained with both systems were evaluated. The lesions identified by the two capsules were categorized using the Saurin classification. The relation between the lesions identified with the SB3 and those found with the SB2 was identified through a logistic regression analysis. Results: In the SB2 capsule endoscopy group, 60% were women, patient age was 59 years (42.2, 73), and intestinal transit time was 271 min (182, 353). In the SB3 group, 57% were women, patient age was 60 years (42.5, 73), and intestinal transit time was 277 min (182, 352). There were no significant differences in the identification of PO and P2 lesions between the two systems. The SB3 capsule endoscope identified more P1 lesions (p =0.020, OR: 2.35, 95% CI:1.124.90). There was no significant difference in relation to location of the lesions in the small bowel. Conclusions: A greater number of P1 lesions were detected through the technologic advances made in SB3 capsule endoscopy, but the diagnostic yield for P2 lesions was not modified. (C) 2019 Asociacion Mexicana de Gastroenterologia. Published by Masson Doyma Mexico S.A.