We are all familiar with the slogan, “What would you do for a Klondike bar?” But think about this: what would you do for a colonoscopy? Would you put yourself at risk? Studies show that many Americans are big risk-takers when it comes to having their colons screened. Six hundred thousand people who are considered at “elevated risk for complications” undergo a colonoscopy each year in the United States. Possible complications from a standard colonoscopy may include perforation of the colon, bleeding and cardio-pulmonary complications. Colonoscopies save lives, but you don’t want to risk your own life in getting screened!
Many of these individuals at elevated risk are about to get some really good news. Recently, the FDA expanded the indication for the PillCam Colon 2 capsule to include the detection of colon polyps in individuals with lower GI bleeding issues. Douglas K. Rex, M.D., director of endoscopy at Indiana University School of Medicine, could not be more pleased. He considers this a “significant breakthrough in GI healthcare.” Although the broadened indication does not apply to everyone, the PillCam Colon 2 capsule could make the difference in whether a patient at elevated risk has a colon screening.
Previously, the FDA approved the PillCam Colon 2 capsule for “visualization of the colon and the detection of polyps in patients for whom a complete evaluation of the colon was not technically possible after an incomplete colonoscopy with adequate preparation.” Now, the indication has been expanded but “applies only to patients with major risks for colonoscopy or moderate sedation, but who could tolerate colonoscopy and moderate sedation in the event a clinically significant colon abnormality was identified on capsule endoscopy.”
Dr. Rex is hopeful at the prospect of safely examining thousands of patients who are at elevated risk for complications from a standard colonoscopy. If you are at elevated risk for a traditional colonoscopy, talk to your gastroenterologist. The PillCam Colon 2 is suited for the specific needs of certain patients, but it is important to remember that a colonoscopy is still necessary if the PillCam Colon 2 detects a polyp or abnormality. For most patients, a colonoscopy is still the best choice (Source: Healio Gastroenterology).