This scene showcases the real-time operation of the hospitals newly introduced AI-powered tool for gastrointestinal screening—the ENDOANGEL. This device not only automatically detects blind spots in the digestive tract but also alerts doctors to high-risk lesions, aiding in the identification of early cancerous changes.
ENDOANGEL’s Sharp Eye Detects Tiny Lesions
Mrs. Shang, 73, who has chronic atrophic gastritis, has been undergoing regular gastroscopy since 2016, with her condition remaining stable.
In June this year, when Mrs. Shang came to Hainan Chengmei Hospital for her routine gastroscopy, the ENDOANGEL suddenly issued an alert. Dr. Chen Zhaowei, the endoscopist, immediately checked the flashing area on the monitor and discovered a suspicious superficial lesion about 5mm in size at the gastric cardia. This timely alert led to the early detection of a health risk, which was ultimately diagnosed as early-stage gastric cancer through a pathological biopsy.
Because the cancer was detected early, the tumor cells had not invaded deeper tissues nor metastasized. Mrs. Shang subsequently underwent minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to completely remove the lesion. Postoperative evaluation confirmed that she had achieved clinical cure.
Professor Zhao Xinkai, Director of the Endoscopy Center at our hospital, explained that tiny gastrointestinal lesions can sometimes appear as faint red reticular patterns, easily confused with gastritis or gastric ulcers. These lesions are highly concealed and can be easily missed if not carefully observed. By being the first in Hainan to introduce ENDOANGEL, the hospital has leveraged advanced AI-assisted diagnostic technology to quickly and accurately identify hidden lesions, significantly improving the detection rate of early gastrointestinal cancers.
AI Leads the New "Vision" in Diagnosis and Treatment!
ENDOANGEL stands as a globally leading artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic system for the digestive tract, hailed as the "third eye" of endoscopists.
ENDOANGEL combines "navigation" and "alert" functions, offering the following core features:
1. It performs real-time monitoring of endoscopic images, identifying the inspection area comprehensively and without any blind spots or omissions.
2. It provides real-time alerts for blind spots and suspicious lesions, particularly identifying and distinguishing tiny or mucosal early-stage cancers that are difficult to detect with the naked eye, with an accuracy rate of up to 90%.
3. It times and scores the quality of endoscopic operations according to endoscopy diagnostic and treatment standards, thus standardizing the procedures performed by doctors.
ENDOANGEL not only excels in diagnosing gastric cancer but also has a high diagnostic capability for esophageal cancer, colon cancer, and other digestive system lesions.
Director Zhao Xinkai (center) is utilizing ENDOANGEL to assist in gastrointestinal endoscopy for a patient
According to Zhao Xinkai, the implementation of ENDOANGEL signifies the advent of an AI era for digestive endoscopy technology at our hospital.
Gastrointestinal cancers are a significant health threat in China, with about half of the global gastrointestinal cancers occurring in the country. Moreover, nearly 85% of patients are diagnosed at middle or late stages, resulting in high treatment costs and a heavy social burden.
Zhao Xinkai explained that most gastrointestinal cancers are caused by the malignant transformation of gastrointestinal inflammation, ulcers, and polyps. Timely examination and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cancer and prevent the occurrence of gastrointestinal cancer. Early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers result in a survival rate of over 90% and a cure rate as high as 95%. Currently, endoscopic examination is an excellent means for the early detection of gastrointestinal cancers.
Who Needs Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
1. General Population Over 40 years old: Both men and women over 40 should have a gastrointestinal endoscopy. If any positive findings (such as ulcers or polyps) are discovered, regular follow-ups should be scheduled after treatment.
2. Family History of Esophageal, Gastric, or Colorectal Cancer: Individuals with a family history of these cancers should consider undergoing their first endoscopy at the age of 35.
3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: This includes smoking, drinking alcohol, irregular eating habits, overeating, or a diet high in greasy or barbecued foods. Additionally, individuals with high work stress or those who frequently stay up late should consider endoscopy.
4. Digestive Discomfort: People experiencing digestive discomfort such as upper or lower abdominal pain, acid reflux, belching, bloating, intestinal discomfort manifested as lower abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits (e.g., increased frequency of bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, or mucus in the stool) should undergo endoscopy.
5. Elevated Tumor Markers: Individuals whose routine physical examinations reveal elevated levels of gastrointestinal tumor markers such as CEA or CA19-9 should promptly undergo gastrointestinal endoscopy for further investigation.
6. Chronic Atrophic Gastritis: Patients diagnosed with chronic atrophic gastritis should have regular follow-up gastroscope.
Expert Introduction
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Written by: Chen Lin