Measurement of colonic transit using a delayed-release capsule containing radio-opaque markers

Objective. Colonic transit scintigraphy has several advantages in comparison with radio-opaque marker (ROM) techniques but it is limited to specialized centers. The aim of the study was to validate the ROM technique for measuring colonic transit using delayed-release capsules. Material and methods. Colonic transit is expressed as the sum of the weighted mean marker residence times in the colon (geometric centers). Delayed-release capsules containing radio-opaque markers (DC-ROMs) or scintigraphic methods were compared simultaneously in 10 healthy volunteers. Reproducibility and responsiveness of DC-ROM measurements were evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers at an interval of 2 weeks and after bisacodyl treatment, respectively. Results. The transit profiles between the scintigraphic and DC-ROM methods were highly correlated (r=0.994, p<0.01). The reproducibility and responsiveness of DC-ROM measurements were good. Colonic transit measured by DC-ROM correlated with the stool form scale (r=0.66, p<0.01). Conclusion. The DC-ROM test is simple, highly reproducible, responsive, and appropriate for clinical trials and clinical practice.