AI endoscopy tech to improve bowel cancer outcomes

Canberra-based facility ACT Endoscopy has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) in an attempt to improve clinical outcome and key colonoscopy quality indicators, including polyp and adenoma detection.

The AI technology, supplied by Olympus, was introduced to ACT Endoscopy’s parent company Cura Day Hospitals Group in 2021. The $500,000 investment was initially used at Chermside Day Hospital and Toowoomba Surgicentre, implementing AI to boost detection power.

The technology uses a computer-assisted imaging system to detect early signs of bowel cancer, and since being rolled out in Cura’s Queensland hospitals has been used in several hundred procedures.

ACT Endoscopy gastroenterologist Dr James Riddell said the Olympus CV-1500 series processor and scopes would improve enhancements, image quality and depth of focal field.

“The quality image endoscope works in combination with AI polyp detection. This has shown improved detection of polyps and may contribute to the overall improvement of clinical outcomes including detecting other abnormalities,” Riddell said.

This new equipment gives clinicians and patients peace of mind that pathology can be discovered, analysed and diagnosed during the procedure, said Riddell.

Clinical studies¹ suggest the technology is capable of increasing adenoma detection rates by up to 15% and allowed doctors to pick up on small polyps that might otherwise go undetected, improving cancer survival rates.

Cura Day Hospitals CEO Andrew Currie said he hopes the rollout encourages other hospitals to follow suit.

^{1   New Zealand Medical Journal: https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/artificial-intelligence-improves-adenoma-detection-rate-during-colonoscopy}

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