Exploring the impact of capsule endoscopy in Kazakhstan: a significant milestone
Article information
The initial human trials of capsule endoscopy (CE) were completed in 2001 [1]. In the same year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted clearance for this innovative device. Two decades later, CE has become an essential tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of small bowel diseases, offering significant advantages in detecting lesions that traditional endoscopy may miss. Research on CE has emphasized its high diagnostic yield, particularly in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and various small bowel disorders [2,3]. Additionally, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools with CE can further increase the diagnostic yield and reduce interpretation time [4].
Building on these insights, the study presented in this issue of the Kosin Medical Journal by Sohn et al. [5] represents a pioneering effort that illuminates the clinical experience of CE in Kazakhstan, a nation noted for its diverse population and unique healthcare challenges. The research examines the implementation of CE in two major Kazakhstani hospitals, analyzing data from 123 procedures conducted between May 2022 and February 2023. The findings are promising, showcasing a high diagnostic yield of CE, with significant lesions identified in 55.3% of the patients. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of Central Asia, where advanced diagnostic tools are often in short supply. One of the standout features of this study is its application of AI to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of CE. The integration of AI not only improved lesion detection but also expedited the image analysis process, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in medical diagnostics, especially in settings with limited resources. Furthermore, the study highlights the critical role of patient selection and preparation in achieving successful CE outcomes. With no complications reported and an impressive visualization scale, this research lays a solid groundwork for the wider adoption of CE in Kazakhstan and possibly other countries in Central Asia.
In conclusion, this study represents a significant contribution to the field of gastroenterology by providing valuable insights into the practical application of CE in a region previously lacking such data. The successful implementation of CE in Kazakhstan establishes a precedent for further research and the expansion of this technology in similar settings, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the standard of care in gastrointestinal diagnostics.
Notes
Conflicts of interest
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
Funding
None.
Author contributions
All the work was done by JYL.