Wireless Capsule Cystoscopy: How Near? How Far?

Abstract

It is a fact that performing endoscopy using conventional methods requires substantial time and development of alternative diagnostic modalities. Replacement of rigid endoscopes with flexible and digital devices in time, faster performance of the procedures and reduced time for them to turn back to work brought about the expectancy. It was possible that easier and more reliable methods could exist. Idea of capsule endoscopy was born following examination of the gastrointestinal tract with an endoscope with shape of a capsule. Although idea of capsule endoscopy was suggested long years ago, it fell behind the advances in conventional step of the endoscopy, especially developmental speed of the flexible devices. Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) organ views can be processed digitally by means of sophisticated software in the fields of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Thus, virtual cystoscopy of high resolution and specificity is possible by means of both methods. Wireless capsule endoscopy is still in the experimental stage. “Steerable independent intracorporeal endoscope” with feature of consecutive instillation in addition to its diagnostic utility is not a dream.