A new study at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) has discovered an innovative solution which helps patients complete a particular type of diagnostic procedure - capsule endoscopy. Considered the gold standard, capsule endoscopy is a procedure used to examine the small intestine.

To take this test the patient swallows a tiny camera no bigger than a pill. As it moves through the digestive system the camera takes a video which is recorded on a device worn on a belt around the patient’s waist. On completion of the test, they give the recorded footage back to their doctor. The capsule then passes naturally from their body. This recording helps doctors diagnose and treat the patient.

While capsule endoscopy is a pivotal diagnostic tool for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, the incomplete imaging of the small intestine remains a significant issue, especially in patients with known risk factors. Although it is considered an innovative test for patients who are experiencing issues with their digestive system, for some patients with medical issues like diabetes and hypertension, the tiny camera can get held up in certain places like the stomach. This then can cause it to run out of battery before the capsule has seen all the small intestine.

This means the results are incomplete, which is inconvenient for patients who may have to retake the capsule endoscopy or undergo other diagnostic procedures. This also has cost and staffing implications for the hospital. The main aim of this study was to investigate the use of peppermint water to improve completion rates in small bowel capsule endoscopy.

Consultant Gastroenterologist Fintan O’Hara who ran the study explains that it was “conducted over six months at TUH. 135 patients with risk factors for delayed transit were enrolled. We wanted to see if the problem could be overcome by the simple intervention of giving patients some peppermint oil diluted in water as they swallowed the camera. Our study discovered that taking peppermint oil helped 98% of these patients (with risk factors for delayed transit) complete this test.”

TUH Consultant Gastroenterologist Professor Deirdre McNamara was key to the rollout of capsule endoscopy at the hospital. The research also found that this new protocol is safe, effective, and cost-neutral, and will allow more patients to successfully benefit from this innovative diagnostic procedure.  The team behind it have recommended that further studies be carried out to refine the protocol and enhance its clinical use.