Diagnosis of small-bowel diseases in the era of capsule endoscopy.

Capsule endoscopy is a major breakthrough in gastrointestinal endoscopy and is a first-line tool to detect abnormalities of the small bowel, in up to 50% of patients, intestinal disorders are not associated with any physical findings or positive tests. Indications, yield and impact on patient management of this method of diagnosing small-bowel diseases are analyzed critically in light of current scientific knowledge.