Colon Capsule Endoscopy clinical trials

Trial Feasibility of Home Delivery of Colon Capsule Endoscopy Service With the Help of 5 G Technology

Patients without alarming symptoms are at low risk of bowel cancer . However, in majority of those patients colonoscopy (gold standard) is needed to diagnose colorectal cancer or other non-neoplastic conditions such as Inflammatory bowel disease . Evaluation of patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms ( low-intermediate risk group) represent significant pressure for colonoscopy services . At the end of August 2019 there were a total 44,388 patients still waiting for colonoscopy. Covid 19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on healthcare systems since March 2020.The aerosol generating potential of endoscopy has led to multiple Gastroenterology and Endoscopy societies suggesting immediate cessation of all but emergency colonoscopy during the peak phase of the pandemic which put colonoscopy capacity even more under pressure Data from the National Endoscopy Database indicate that total endoscopic activity fell rapidly to 5% of normal levels during the peak phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK (from approximately 35 000 reported procedures per week to 1700, for the week ending 13 April . In order to reduce potential diagnostic delays as a result of COVID pandemic , the role of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) as a non invasive diagnostic test is being increasingly recognise, which allows for a pain-free colonic assessment by eliminating the need for instrument insertion, gas insufflation or sedation . The aim of the 5G SUCCEEDS study is to trial feasibility of home delivery of Colon Capsule Endoscopy service with the help of 5 G technology. Currently patients need to attend hospital to access this service.