Associated factors and complementary strategies used in the indication of the intestinal patency capsule: a critical review.

Abstract

The article by Ikegami et al., published in the Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, explores clinical factors affecting the performance of the intestinal patency capsule (IPC). It identifies negative predictors for successful outcomes-such as past abdominal surgery, obstructive symptoms, and corticosteroid use-which can guide clinical decision-making. Complementing this, O'Hara et al. introduced a 72-hour extended protocol with a cut-off of 5 m/s, improving capsule excretion in high-risk cases, though it requires more resources. Vigorous physical activity combined with imaging (CT or MRI) boosts diagnostic accuracy and reduces false negatives. Delayed excretion of a non-retained IPC might also signal motor insufficiency, adding functional relevance. A Peruvian study in the Revista de Gastroenterología del Perú reinforces the safety and utility of the Agile capsule in detecting intestinal patency, especially in patients with undetected strictures, helping avoid capsule retention.