Randomized Trial of Capsule vs. Standard Colonoscopy for Adherence

In the U.S., capsule colonoscopy is approved for use in patients with incomplete colonoscopy, but reimbursement is generally not available. In Europe, capsule colonoscopy is available as an alternative to colonoscopy for screening and diagnostic examinations, though actual use is low.

To compare uptake of colorectal cancer screening with each method, investigators in Spain randomized 329 asymptomatic, screening-naive, first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer to be examined by colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) or colonoscopy. Patients were allowed to cross over to the other group if they refused to undergo the assigned procedure.

Among 120 first-degree relatives assigned to undergo CCE, 68 (56.6%) consented to participate, and 29 …