This post is by Deepthi Nishi Velamuri, a Colorectal Cancer Prevention intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and early detection is essential for improving survival rates. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to examine the colon. It is a good alternative to colonoscopy for people who are unable to undergo traditional colonoscopy, such as those who are obese or have a history of bowel obstruction.

However, CCE can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to analyze. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can help. AI-powered software can be used to automatically analyze CCE footage, identify potential polyps, and flag them for further review by a doctor.

A study published in the journal Colorectal Disease found that AI-powered software was able to detect polyps with a high degree of accuracy. The study also found that AI-powered software could reduce the time required to analyze CCE footage by up to 70%.

These findings suggest that AI-powered software could make CCE a more feasible option for wider use. This could lead to earlier detection of colon cancer and improved survival rates.

Here are some of the benefits of using AI-supported footage analysis in CCE:

  • Increased accuracy: The software can identify polyps with a high degree of accuracy, even those that are small or difficult to see.

  • Reduced time: The software can reduce the time required to analyze CCE footage by up to 70%. This frees up time for doctors to focus on other tasks, such as providing patient care.

  • Improved patient experience: The software can make CCE a more comfortable and convenient procedure for patients. This is because patients do not have to undergo sedation or gas insufflation, and they can return to their normal activities sooner.

Overall, AI-supported footage analysis is a promising approach for improving the accuracy, efficiency, and patient experience of CCE. It is a technology that is worth watching as it continues to develop.

This story was published by Colon Cancer Foundation on August 23, 2023. It is republished with permission.