Colonoscopy with Artificial Intelligence: GI Genius^TM

Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Singapore among men, and second only to breast cancer among women. The cancer itself is deadly and can greatly reduce one’s quality of life. Even successful initial treatment can still result in recurrence of cancer.

Preventing colorectal cancer is possible. A healthy lifestyle low in red meat, avoidance of processed food, regular exercise, and not smoking, are all choices we can make to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer usually arises from polyps that often present as small benign tumours. They can be removed with low risk. Performing a colonoscopy with polypectomies (removal of polyps) can reduce one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy

National guidelines from the Singapore’s Ministry of Health advise screening for colorectal cancer to start at the age of 50 for those with no family history of colonic polyps or cancer.

Screening can be done by doing annual faecal occult blood test that, when positive, prompts individuals to go for a colonoscopy. Screening can also be done directly by colonoscopy, at an interval of 10 years.

Improving Polyps Detection with GI Genius^TM

Since 2021, specialists at Raffles Surgery Centre have been supported by GI Genius^TM, an artificial intelligence (AI) module that enhances the accuracy of colonoscopy. The device is programmed based on machine learning technology, adopting similar algorithms used in many facial recognition applications.

During a colonoscopy, GI Genius^TM assesses and processes each frame to highlight potential polyps and tumours. This helps endoscopists and specialists evaluate the entire colon with more precision, overcoming the challenge of identifying small polyps that may otherwise go unnoticed by the human eye.

In its early developmental stage, polyps can be as small as a few millimetres, which means that it cannot be identified as easily during a regular colonoscopy. Although polyps of this size are usually benign, if left alone for years, it can potentially become cancerous.

First Private Hospital in Singapore to Introduce GI Genius^TM

Raffles Hospital is the first private hospital in Singapore to implement AI in colonoscopy. It supports doctors in screening colonoscopy, surveillance colonoscopy, and diagnostic colonoscopy (to evaluate symptoms such as a change of bowel habits and rectal bleeding) to identify polyps and tumours for treatment. The technology facilitates doctors’ decision-making and adds no additional risk to colonoscopy.

From July 2022, all colonoscopy done in Raffles Hospital will be enhanced with AI from the GI Genius^TM at no additional charge. If you are interested in arranging a colonoscopy for yourself or your loved one, or if you wish to learn more, please make an appointment.