The system will automatically alert doctors performing the scope in real-time if varying shapes and sizes of polyps and lesions are detected.

 

Farrer Park Hospital (FPH) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colorectal screening service. It aims to improve detection, classification, screening, and surveillance for colorectal polyps and cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the top cancers among men and women in Singapore. Screening should begin at age 50 years for individuals without any risk factors.

To ensure that patients get the most out of their colonoscopy, 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.

FPH launched the pilot service as a trial in March 1, 2022 in conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Officially concluding on April 30, 2022, during which more than 360 colonoscopies were conducted successfully by the hospital’s practising gastroenterologists and general surgeons.

Sharing his thoughts on the AI-powered screening tool, Dr Desmond Wai, consultant gastroenterologist, said: “With AI assistance, it 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 practising at FPH added: “The utility of AI while new, has been gradually embraced internationally and locally. The enhancement of detection of polyps are 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 to 30 percent. Early detection and removal help in the overall preventive health of patients from developing cancer, and is aligned with the national healthcare policy changes made this year.” He is also president of the Society of Colorectal Surgeons.

On May 1, 2022, FPH started the AI-assisted colonoscopy service.