ROLE OF COLON CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY IN THE MONITORING OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS (WITH A VIDEO)

Abstract

Video capsule endoscopy was first developed in 2000 for the purpose of diagnosing small intestinal diseases and has been used for diagnosis of various gastrointestinal diseases. In 2006, colon capsule endoscopy was reported. Further improved 2^nd-generation colon capsule endoscopy was developed. In Japan, colon capsule endoscopy was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and covered by health insurance in 2014. The efficacy of colon capsule endoscopy in monitoring inflammatory bowel disease, mainly ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation in the colon, has been reported. Colon capsule endoscopy enables minimally invasive observation of the large intestinal mucosa, which is appropriate as a monitoring tool for ulcerative colitis. This article outlines the current status of colon capsule endoscopy for the assessment of ulcerative colitis.