VCE
Medical abbreviation · Gastroenterology
| Stands for | Video capsule endoscopy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
VCE stands for Video capsule endoscopy, a gastroenterology abbreviation.
Examination in which the patient swallows a pill-sized wireless camera that photographs the small intestine as it passes through. It is the standard test for obscure GI bleeding and for suspected small-bowel Crohn's disease or tumors after a normal upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Example: Iron-deficiency anemia with negative EGD and colonoscopy; VCE shows jejunal angioectasias.
Usage notes
The first capsule was approved by the FDA in 2001. The main risk is capsule retention behind a stricture, so a dissolvable patency capsule may be given first in suspected Crohn's. Images are reviewed by a gastroenterologist after the recorder is returned. It cannot take biopsies or treat lesions.
Related abbreviations
More gastroenterology abbreviations
- AH – Alcohol-associated hepatitis
- AIH – Autoimmune hepatitis
- ALD – Alcohol-associated liver disease
- ALF – Acute liver failure
- AP – Acute pancreatitis
- APC – Argon plasma coagulation
- BE – Barrett's esophagus
- BRBPR – Bright red blood per rectum
- CD – Crohn's disease
- CHS – Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
- CP – Chronic pancreatitis
- CRC – Colorectal cancer
See all 85 gastroenterology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.