A Way Forward for Side-Viewing Colonoscopy?
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Troya J, et al. Gastrointest Endosc 2021 Dec 17.
Previous attempts to improve polyp detection during colonoscopy using extreme wide-angle or side-viewing optics have been unsuccessful, largely because of issues with diminished image resolution and the inability of most colonoscopists to observe multiple screens simultaneously. However, these issues with image resolution and brain function have the potential to be overcome.
In an exploratory study in 8 pigs (4 used to train an artificial intelligence [AI] program, and 4 used to test the device), a 3-dimensional–printed cap with 2 micro cameras was attached to a conventional endoscope, with AI detection linked to the side cameras. In the 4 test animals, the side cameras recognized 4 out of 5 polyps and raised one false-positive alarm.
COMMENTThe problem with the full-spectrum endoscopy system was that the image resolution was inferior to current colonoscopes. There was also the challenge of carefully watching 3 screens, which is beyond what the human brain can easily do.
This study reminds us that the concept of side-viewing colonoscopy is not necessarily dead. This device provided images comparable to the extreme high-quality images obtained with standard forward-viewing colonoscopy and supplemented the side-viewing images with AI. It makes sense.
Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.
CITATION(S)
Troya J, Krenzer A, Flisikowski K, et al. A new concept for colonoscopy including side optics and artificial intelligence. Gastrointest Endosc 2021 Dec 17. (Epub ahead of print) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2021.12.003)
