Cytosponge, which has been in development for years as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for Barrett's esophagus, may be useful for the detection of eosinophilic esophagitis, according to a Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News report.
The device is comprised of a gelatin pill attached to a string. Patients swallow the pill, which dissolves to uncover a mildly abrasive sponge. The sponge is pulled back up through the esophagus, effectively collecting cells for a cytologic smear.
EoE requires multiple tissue samples over the course of treatment. Cytosponge has the potential to be more cost-effective than endoscopic biopsy, according to the report.
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The device is comprised of a gelatin pill attached to a string. Patients swallow the pill, which dissolves to uncover a mildly abrasive sponge. The sponge is pulled back up through the esophagus, effectively collecting cells for a cytologic smear.
EoE requires multiple tissue samples over the course of treatment. Cytosponge has the potential to be more cost-effective than endoscopic biopsy, according to the report.
More articles on gastroenterology:
6 GI practices making headlines
New website aims to create patient-accessible database of gastroenterologists
Second chances: Would gastroenterologists still choose the same field?