Capsule and balloon endoscopy: When are they really needed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases?

The evaluation of the small bowel in patients with suspected or established IBD is generally performed by radiologic techniques. Capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy may offer additional advantages in the evaluation of small bowel inflammation in patients with suspected small bowel involvement but negative prior radiologic evaluation. This review summarizes the current clinical status of capsule and balloon enteroscopy in patients with suspected or established IBD.