AI- ASSISTED ENDOSCOPY SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR IN ASIA PACIFIC
FARRER PARK HOSPITAL
Colorectal cancer is one of the top cancers among men and women in Singapore 1 . Screening should begin at age 50 years for individuals without any risk factors . However , screening should begin from 40 years old for those with increased risk . 2
Though evidence suggests that an increasing number of younger adults is being diagnosed with colorectal cancer , most individuals in their 30s to 40s would still brush this away as a little more than a whisper of a warning . The demise of the Hollywood celebrity and Black Panther star Mr Chadwick Boseman brings the result of a late diagnosis to light .
To ensure that patients get the most out of their colonoscopy , Farrer Park Hospital ( FPH ) added the AI-assisted screening tool to allow for more accurate detection of polyps . Every frame captured during the colonoscopy will be assessed and processed using the AI in the device . As a result , the system will automatically alert doctors performing the scope in real-time if varying shapes and sizes of polyps and lesions are detected . Studies have shown that the higher polyp detection rates are , the more effective patients can be protected from colorectal cancer 3 .
The hospital launched the pilot service as a trial on March 1 , 2022 , in conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month . It concluded on April 30 , 2022 , and led to more than 360 colonoscopies conducted successfully by the hospital ’ s practising gas-
Dr Ravi Shrestha & Dr Timothy Low
troenterologists and general surgeons . The service was officially launched on May 1 , 2022 .
Sharing his thoughts on the AI-powered screening tool , Dr Desmond Wai , Consultant Gastroenterologist , said : “ AI assistance helps to reduce false negative results and the polyps that are detected during each scan are highlighted clearly . Risk of missing polyps is reduced . This improves the accuracy of the scopes conducted , which are essential in a patient ’ s health journey .” In agreement with Dr Wai , Dr Chew Min Hoe , Senior Consultant and Colorectal Surgeon practicing at FPH added : “ The utility of AI has been gradually embraced internationally and locally . The enhancement of detection of polyps is especially useful for flat and sessile polyps which can often be missed . Preliminary data both locally and internationally suggest an increase in polyp detection up to 20- 30 %. Early detection and removal help prevent cancer , and they are aligned with the national healthcare policy changes made this year .”
Dr Timothy Low , Chief Executive Officer of FPH , said : “ FPH is always looking at new modalities to support our patients ’ aspiration of quality of life . The enhanced colonoscopy service represents our ongoing commitment to improving patients ’ treatment outcomes from the start – early detection through screening anchored in healthcare technology .”
References 1 National Registry of Diseases Singapore . 2022 . Retrieved from : https :// www . nrdo . gov . sg / docs / librariesprovider3 / default-document-library / scr- 2019 _ annual-report _ final . pdf ? sfvrsn = fa847590 _ 0 2 https :// www . moh . gov . sg / docs / librariesprovider4 / guidelines / cpg _ cancer-screening . pdf 3 Corley DA , Jenson CD , Marks AR JR , et al . Adenoma Detection Rate and Risk of Colorectal Cancer and Death . The New England Journal of Medicine . 2014 ; 370 : 2539 – 2541 .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com SEPTEMBER 2022
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