Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is being actively evaluated as an emerging complementary or alternative procedure for evaluation of the colon. The yield of CCE is significantly dependent on the quality of bowel preparation. In addition to achieving a stool-free colon the bowel preparation protocols need to decrease bubble effect and aid propulsion of the capsule. An extensive English literature search was done using PubMed with search terms of colon capsule endoscopy, PillCam and bowel preparation. Full-length articles which met the criteria were included for review. A total of 12 studies including 1149 patients were reviewed. There was significant variability in the type of bowel preparation regimens. Large-volume (3-4 liters) polyethylene glycol (PEG) was the most widely used laxative. Lower volumes of PEG showed comparable results but larger studies are needed to determine efficacy. Sodium phosphate was used as an effective booster in most studies. Magnesium citrate and ascorbic acid are emerging as promising boosters to replace sodium phosphate when it is contraindicated. The potential benefit of prokinetics needs further evaluation. Over the past decade there has been significant improvement in the bowel preparation regimens for CCE. Further experience and studies are likely to standardize the bowel preparation regimens before CCE is adopted into routine clinical practice.

Fecal impaction if left untreated can lead to the hardening of stools and the formation of fecalith. Fecaliths rarely cause serious complications and are usually managed conservatively. We present this rare case of a giant fecalith causing near obstruction in an institutionalized paraplegic patient at high risk for chronic constipation and fecal impaction. This case was also unusual for causing ischemic pressure necrosis in the rectum, thereby highlighting the possible serious complications of fecalith.

Given the ubiquitous use of oral iron therapy, their side effects are often encountered and well recognized in clinical practice. However, iron pill gastritis remains an often under-reported and elusive diagnosis. An astute clinician should be aware of this condition in order to promptly discontinue oral iron and institute timely treatment. Here in, we present a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to the gastroenterology clinic with vague epigastric pain and microcytic anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple gastric erosions and non-bleeding gastric antral ulcer with biopsies showing excessive iron deposition suggestive of iron pill gastritis. We reviewed the clinical features, pathology, and treatment of iron pill gastritis along with the review of the literature.

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