MCE Direct Visualization of Drug Behavior in Upper-gastrointestinal Tract

This pilot study was a prospective, single-centered, nonrandomized study. The investigators selected 10 subjects from patients with a recent history of upper-gastrointestinal symptoms who met the indication of taking sucralfate suspension gel, and another 10 subjects from healthy volunteers.

Procedures were performed by the NaviCam magnetic capsule guidance system. To enhance discrimination, the sucralfate gel dyed with 0.3 ml methylene blue. The subjects swallowed the capsule with water in the left lateral position. When capsule enter stomach cavity, subject was asked to sit up and ingested 4 g aerogenic powder with 5 ml water to distend the stomach, and performed gastric baseline examinations to identify the lesions. After baseline examination, subjects ingested dyed sucralfate gel and performed the first-time examination. The examination was repeated at 30 min intervals, until dyed sucralfate gel disappeared completely. When study completed, the capsule was detached from string and continued into the small bowel for further examination.

The endoscopists recorded the adhesion and dissipation times of dyed sucralfate gel, calculated the efficient time, and selected the images of six primary anatomic landmarks from each examination to measure the distribution area (%) . Any complication or discomfort during the procedure was evaluated. The discomfort was scored on a scale from 0 to 3 (0 = no; 1 = mild/minimal; 2 = moderate; 3 = sever/very difficult).

Inclusion criteria

• With or without gastrointestinal complaints
• Scheduled to undergo a capsule endoscopy for both stomach and small bowel
• Signed the informed consents before joining this study

Exclusion criteria

• Suspected or known gastrointestinal stenosis
• Obstruction or other known risk factors for capsule retention
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Pacemakers or electromedical devices implanted
• Any other contraindications determined by endoscopists