Becker's ASC Review

27 GASTROENTEROLOGY New colonoscopy tech has potential to revolutionize industry By Paige Haeffele I nnovations in colonoscopy technology are progressing rapidly and have the potential to revolutionize colonoscopy effectiveness. Here are some newer techniques to consider, per industry experts at MDLix: 1. Endoscopy 2.0 Linked color imaging is a technique that enhances endoscopy still images by rendering red areas redder and white areas whiter. is decreases the likelihood of subtle lesions being missed and can help clinicians with less experience better identify lesions. Results from a randomized controlled trial published in Endoscopy International Open found that linked color imaging is better than rival image-enhancing technology, such as blue laser imaging, blue laser imaging-bright and conventional white-light images. "While both groups of endoscopists received significant benefit from linked color imaging, the benefit was even greater for non-expert endoscopists," researchers said in the study. 2. MRI colonography A noninvasive method of detecting colorectal polyps and cancer can assess cancer metastasis. Compared to computed tomography colonography, it doesn't use ionizing radiation, though it does require similar bowel prep as that of colonoscopy. e colorectal cancer detection rate was 98.2 percent, and the pooled sensitivity was 82 percent for detection of large polyps and 38 percent for any polyp, data published in Nature Reviews showed. 3. CT capsule No bowel preparation is needed for this X-ray technology that takes the form of an imaging capsule called Check-Cap, which is swal- lowed. e capsule emits low-dose X-ray beams as it travels through the colon. e radiation exposure is about equal to that of a chest X-ray. e goal of these new technologies is to make the experience more bearable and more effective at polyp detection.n Cleveland Clinic performs multi-digestive- organ transplant to treat rare cancer By Riz Hatton C leveland Clinic has performed the first full multi-organ transplant with multiple digestive organs to treat a patient with a rare form of ap- pendix cancer. The operation was led by Anil Vaidya, MD, Cleveland Clinic's Intestinal Transplant Program co-director, ac- cording to a July 4 news release. Dr. Vaidya and a team of seven surgeons completed the procedure in September. The patient had pseudomyxoma peritonei, a cancer that usually begins as a tumor in the appendix. Dur- ing the procedure, the patient had his liver, stomach, pancreas, duodenum and small intestine removed, the release said. There is no evidence of the patient's cancer recurring since the procedure, Dr. Vaidya said in the release. n Blue Cross Blue Shield changes colonoscopy policy after patient complains By Patsy Newitt B lue Cross Blue Shield has changed its colonos- copy policy after a patient in Greensboro, N.C., complained about lack of coverage, local CBS af- filiate WFMY reported May 23. 45-year-old Jennifer Beane was scheduled for a colo- noscopy after her physician informed her the CDC low- ered the recommended age of colon cancer screening to 45. Ms. Beane was then informed that the colonos- copy screening was not covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, according to WFMY. Ms. Beane reached out to WFMY, who reached out to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and a week later the insurer said it changed its policy to cover 100 percent of colorectal screenings beginning in April instead of June 1. The new recommendations were released in late 2021. Most payers have been offering the screening at no cost since the beginning of this year, according to WFMY. n Image Credit: Adobe Stock

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