Using Artificial Intelligence within Colonoscopy to improve patient outcomes

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is leading a landmark clinical research study that is identifying the benefits to both patient and clinicians of using image enhancement and artificial intelligence within colonoscopy examinations.

The research, which is supported by the National Institute of Health Research and Wales Cancer Research centre, and hosted by Cardiff University, is using a computer assisted detection and diagnosis system when conducting bowel screening in an effort to improve polyp and cancer detection rates.

Colonoscopy is an important tool for the identification and removal of pre-cancerous and cancerous polyps, but its effectiveness and quality are highly dependent on polyps not being missed during examinations. As a result, the clinical research study is using artificial intelligence to act as a second pair of eyes during the procedure to identify and diagnose polyps.

Professor Sunil Dolwani, Professor of Gastroenterology at Cardiff University and Consultant Physician & Gastroenterologist at University Hospital Llandough, said: “Within bowel cancer screening, early detection is important to improve patient outcomes. Working closely with Wales Cancer Research Centre and the Bowel cancer screening programs in Wales and England, this clinical research trial aims to improve patient outcome by improving detection rates, offer an improved patient experience by providing an instant diagnosis and increase operational efficiency within units by accurate pathology identification at the time of the procedure. We are incredibly fortunate to have this equipment within our service and to undertake this research that will hopefully demonstrate the effectiveness of AI within colonoscopy.”

The clinical research trial is a 6-year trial in which the team hope to demonstrate the effectiveness of the equipment in bowel cancer detection rates to build a healthcare economic case for its use.