Bowels - Inside out
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and acceptability of a new colonoscopy test with computer aided diagnosis for early diagnosis of bowel symptoms
IRAS ID
213706
Contact name
SUNIL DOLWANI
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Early detection of bowel cancer has been shown to make a significant difference to the overall outcome for the patient. The majority of bowel cancers are diagnosed in patients who present with symptoms to their GP. The GP then assesses them and if appropriate, refers them to a local hospital for tests. Commonly used tests include camera tests such as colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. There is a significant time interval between presenting to the GP with bowel symptoms, referral to hospital, waiting times for bowel camera procedures and time taken to achieve a diagnosis and finally get treatment. Some of the reasons for delay are because of equipment used for the camera procedures. It is expensive and needs other kit to clean and disinfect the bowel cameras (colonoscopies) between procedures. It also needs highly trained consultants or nurse endoscopists to carry out the procedures. Through this study we would test whether a new type of colonoscopy that uses a disposable motor driven but colonoscopist controlled camera test would be acceptable to patients and possible to carry out within any GP surgery. We will also test if a computer programme can be developed to assist the training and recognition of bowel abnormalities while using the new colonoscopy device rather than relying on the expertise and training of the colonoscopists alone. This may help reduce the time taken when patients are waiting for their test appointment in hospital and improve the capacity of the NHS to carry out bowel camera examinations in GP surgeries assisted by computer programmes. Finally through combining different types of technology in the new type of colonoscopy with laboratory markers of bowel cancer we would hope that the test might be brought “closer to the patient” rather than the patient having to travel and wait for the test.
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
17/WA/0126
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion