Health Technology Wales has published new guidance recommending the routine adoption of capsule sponge devices to detect Barrett's oesophagus and early-stage oesophageal cancer in people with chronic reflux.
Barrett’s oesophagus is a condition in which the cells of a person’s oesophagus begin to change. Over time this increases the risk that they could develop into a cancer.
Barrett’s oesophagus is usually found using endoscopy which is invasive and can be uncomfortable.
There are also long waiting lists for the procedure.
Capsule sponge devices are small capsules like tablets that can be swallowed. They are attached to a string. Once swallowed, the capsule dissolves and a sponge from inside is released and expands. The string is then pulled to bring the sponge back up through the throat, collecting cells on the way. The cells are then sent to a lab to see if they are changing shape.
Anyone found to be at high risk of having Barrett's' Oesophagus would then undergo an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
According to HTW's guidance, capsule sponge testing demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for the detection of Barrett's Oesophagus. The procedure therefore has the potential to identify those at highest risk to be prioritised for endoscopy – as well as removing those at lower risk from waiting lists.
However, the evidence is insufficient to support routine adoption of capsule sponge devices in the surveillance of patients who have already been diagnosed Barretts Oesophagus, to check the progression of their condition.
