Z-line Examination by the PillCam SB: Prospective Comparison of Three Ingestion Protocols.

AIM:To evaluate the Z-line visualization by the PillCam SB2 using three different ingestion protocols.METHODS:Ninety consecutive patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) between January and May 2008 were included in the study. They swallowed the capsule in the standing (Group A = 30), supine (Group B = 30) and right supine positions (Group C = 30). Baseline patient characteristics, difficulties in capsule ingestion, esophageal transit times (ETT) and Z-line visualization were noted.RESULTS:No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to baseline patient characteristics, ingestion difficulties and complete SB examinations (P > 0.05). At least 1 frame of the Z-line was detected in 15.8%, 46.7% and 90% of patients in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001). The average number of Z-line images was 0.21 +/- 0.53, 3.23 +/- 6.59 and 5.53 +/- 7.55 and the mean % of the Z-line detected was 71.3, 25.1 and 8.3, in groups A, B and C, respectively (both P < 0.001). ETT times were longer in the supine group followed by the right supine and the standing groups (median of 237 s vs 64 s and 39 s, respectively; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Z-line visualization in patients undergoing SBCE can be accurately achieved in most cases when the capsule is swallowed in the right supine position.