A case of Crohn's disease with retention of patency capsule coating film

The patency capsule, used to assess intestinal patency, naturally disintegrates, reducing the risk of intestinal obstruction. However, rare cases of non-dissolvable coating film retention have been reported. We present a case of a 40-year-old female with Crohn's disease, where the non-dissolvable coating of a patency capsule was retained in the ileum. The patient, with a history of recurrent bowel obstruction, experienced persistent anorexia. Initial imaging showed multiple strictures in the ileum. Despite endoscopic balloon dilation, the symptoms persisted. Upon repeat double-balloon enteroscopy, a retained coating was identified and removed, leading to rapid symptom improvement. This case highlights the clinical significance of carefully evaluating intestinal strictures before using a patency capsule. Notably, Crohn's disease patients may have a higher risk of coating retention. Sharing such experiences can enhance the safety and efficacy of patency capsule deployment.