Intestinal obstruction caused by ingestion of a Heidelberg capsule: report of a case.

A case is reported in which a Heidelberg pH capsule was administered to a patient with the stenosing form of Crohn disease. The capsule impacted in the stricture resulting in small bowel obstruction ultimately requiring surgical intervention. The authors wish to emphasize that a careful history of preexisting intestinal disease should be taken before the administration of any nonabsorbable diagnostic device.