Colon capsule endoscopy enables clinicians to see inside the large intestine, with excellent image quality. 

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative diagnostic test that enables clinicians to examine the large bowel using a small capsule containing a wireless camera.

The procedure involves swallowing a capsule, which travels naturally through the digestive system while capturing high-quality images of the lining of the bowel. During its journey, the capsule can capture hundreds of thousands of images, which are transmitted wirelessly to a recording device worn by the patient and reviewed by specialist clinical teams.

Colon capsule endoscopy offers an alternative method of investigating the colon that does not require sedation and can often be delivered in an outpatient setting. For many patients, it provides a less invasive diagnostic option while still supporting high-quality clinical assessment.

Supporting Earlier Diagnosis and Innovation

The East of England Cancer Alliance has been an active supporter of innovation in gastrointestinal diagnostics, working with regional and national partners to evaluate new technologies that have the potential to improve patient experience, increase diagnostic capacity and support earlier diagnosis.

As part of a national programme, the Cancer Alliance supported several organisations across the East of England to participate in the evaluation of colon capsule endoscopy, including:

  • James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH)
  • The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEHKL)
  • East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT)
  • West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSH)
  • Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust welcomed the first patient in England to receive colon capsule endoscopy through the national programme in February 2021.

The national evaluation programme concluded in March 2024 and has contributed valuable learning regarding the role that colon capsule endoscopy could play in supporting future diagnostic pathways.

Working in Partnership

The Cancer Alliance continues to work with clinical teams, NHS organisations, national programmes and innovation partners to identify and support technologies that can improve cancer pathways and patient outcomes.

This work contributes to the ambitions of the East of England Cancer Alliance Strategy, the National Cancer Plan for England and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, supporting earlier diagnosis, improved patient experience, reduced variation and more sustainable cancer services for the future.

We would like to thank all patients, clinicians and operational teams who supported the delivery and evaluation of this programme across the region.