Overtube-assisted placement of a capsule endoscope in a patient with a swallowing disorder.

Small-bowel video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is generally contraindicated in patients with swallowing disorders. However, it is difficult to judge the ability of patients to swallow a capsule endoscope before examination and accidental aspiration of capsule endoscopes has been reported [1–3]. Previously, it was reported that overtube-assisted VCE placement was useful [4,5]. A 64-year-old man underwent VCE for investigation of hypoproteinemia. He had reduced oral intake because of a 1-month history of gastrointestinal bleeding and his ability to swallow a capsule endoscope could not assessed before the examination. He had undergone pancreatoduodenectomy for bile duct cancer 52 months previously, and his performance status was grade 3. During VCE, the capsule endoscope was accidentally aspirated into the bronchus and the main bronchus was imaged in real time (●" Fig.1). Fortunately, the capsule remained in the main bronchus and he immediately regurgitated it without experiencing dyspnea. On the same day, endoscopic placement of a capsule endoscope into his stomach was performed using an esophageal overtube (TOP Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The patient was sedated with 1.5mg midazolam intravenously and an endoscope was inserted through the overtube to confirm its placement beyond the cervical esophagus. The endoscope was withdrawn. The capsule endoscope was then inserted into the overtube (●" Fig.2) and pushed through the stomach to the anal side of the anastomosis using forceps (●" Fig.3). The total procedure time was only 6 minutes. Although the capsule did not reach the colon, swelling of Kerckring’s folds and minor mucosal bleeding were noted, which indicated amyloidosis (●" Fig.4). There were no complications during the procedure. Overtube-assisted placement of a capsule endoscope can be the first choice in patients with swallowing disorders because of the good visibility, reliability, and safety offered. Additionally, if gastrointestinal hypomotility is expected, this method can be used to decrease the gastric and small-intestinal transit time.