To investigate the effects of simethicone on the quality of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) examination.

A prospective study was performed in 90 patients received VCE examination from February 2010 to October 2014.The randomized table was set according to different dosage of simethicone the patients received, by which patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 (35 cases) received 15 mL simethicone, group 2 (30 cases) received 30 mL simethicone and control group (25 cases) received no simethicone. The small intestinal visualization quality of VCE was scored by segments. Segment A was proximal small intestine (one hour after VCE passing pylorus). Segment B was distal small intestine (one hour before VCE passing ileocecal valve). Segment A and B were scored according to the air bubbles and degree of cleanliness. Gastric transit time, small bowel transit time and VCE completion rate were recorded. Student′s t test, Mann-Whitney rank sum test and chi square test were performed for statistical analysis.

The average scores of segment A of group 1, group 2 and control group were 0.58, 0.33 and 1.67, respectively, and the average socres of segment B were 0.25, 0.00 and 1.17, respectively. The lesion detection rates of group 1, group 2 and control group were 68.6% (24/35), 80.0% (24/30) and 52.0% (13/25), respectively, and the differences was statistically significant (χ²=8.238, P=0.016). The detection rate of group 2 was significantly higher than those of group 1 and control group (χ²= 7.354 and 9.349, P=0.034 and 0.005). The detection rates of small intestinal erosion of group 1, group 2 and control group were 22.9% (8/35), 70.0% (21/30) and 32.0% (8/25), respectively, and the differences was statistically significant (χ²=8.714, P=0.013). The detection rate of group 2 was significantly higher than those of group 1 and control group (χ²= 10.600 and 7.380, P=0.005 and 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates of ulcer, vascular malformation and protrusion among the three groups (all P>0.05). The detection rates of lesions <0.5 cm of group 1, group 2 and control group were 37.1% (13/35), 66.7% (20/30) and 32.0% (8/25), respectively, and the differences was statistically significant (χ²=8.242, P=0.016). The detection rate of group 2 was significantly higher than those of group 1 and control group (χ²=9.250 and 7.842, P=0.011 and 0.017).

Oral adminstration of 30 mL simethicone could obviously decrease air bubbles in small intestine, and increase lesion detection rate of VCE.

Simethicone; Capsule endoscopy; Air bubbles in small intestine; Transit time; Detection positive rate