Manipal Hospital Kharadi Uses Camera Capsule to Diagnose Small Bowel Bleeding in 73-Year-Old Patient

Pune: A 73-year-old male was admitted to the ICU at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, with severe symptoms including continuous melena (black, tarry stools), hypotension, lightheadedness, and weakness. Despite having no previous history of digestive issues, the patient had experienced a gradual loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss over recent months.

Upon arrival, routine blood tests revealed a critically low hemoglobin (Hb) level of 5.6 g/dL, indicating significant internal bleeding. After initial treatment, his hemoglobin levels temporarily increased to 7.4 g/dL but soon dropped again to 6.6 g/dL, signaling the need for more thorough investigation.

Initial diagnostic tests included gastroscopy, which ruled out upper gastrointestinal tract issues, and colonoscopy, which showed traces of blood in the colon and terminal ileum but could not pinpoint the bleeding source. Additionally, abdominal CT angiography was performed to detect any vascular abnormalities; however, the results were inconclusive.

Given the persistence of symptoms and lack of clear diagnosis, doctors opted for capsule endoscopy, an advanced and non-invasive diagnostic method that enables full visualization of the small intestine, an area often challenging to examine through traditional methods. The patient ingested a small capsule equipped with a tiny camera, which captured detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract as it traveled through over a 12- to 14-hour period. These images were transmitted to an external recorder worn by the patient.

Dr. Mangesh Borkar, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, explained the procedure: “Once the capsule completed its journey through the digestive system, we retrieved and thoroughly analyzed the data. We identified ulcers in the jejunum and ileum, which were responsible for the gastrointestinal bleeding. This precise diagnosis allowed us to create a targeted treatment plan, significantly improving the patient’s prognosis. He responded well to treatment and was discharged within five days.”

Mr. Parameswar Das, Hospital Director at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to adopting advanced medical technologies. “At Manipal Hospital Kharadi Pune, we are dedicated to utilizing the latest medical advancements to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. The successful use of capsule endoscopy in this case highlights not only our patient-centered approach but also our continuous efforts to improve healthcare outcomes in our community,” he stated.

The use of capsule endoscopy, which allows for comprehensive visualization of the small bowel, proved instrumental in accurately diagnosing the source of the bleeding and developing an effective treatment plan, underscoring Manipal Hospital’s focus on state-of-the-art medical care.