JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KPJ Healthcare) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted colonoscopy at Johor Specialist Hospital (JSH) here to support the early detection of colorectal cancer.
JSH is the first hospital within the KPJ Healthcare nationwide network to deploy the ENAD (Endoscopy as AI-powered Device) system, developed by South Korean medical AI company Ainex Corporation, to strengthen colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis.
KPJ Healthcare said in a statement today that the system works with JSH’s existing Olympus colonoscopy equipment to analyse images in real time, helping specialists identify potential colorectal lesions, including small or flat abnormalities that may be difficult to detect.
The ENAD system combines Computer-Aided Detection (CADe) and Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CADx) technologies to highlight areas requiring closer examination and assist specialists in assessing polyp characteristics.
Early identification and assessment are crucial as some polyps can develop into cancer over time, the statement added.
KPJ Healthcare Officer-in-Charge Prof Datuk Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid said the introduction of ENAD at JSH represents an important development in the group's efforts to harness AI technology to enhance patient care.
He said the technology provides clinical decision support for specialists, particularly in the early identification and assessment of abnormalities during colonoscopies.
“For us, the priority is to apply AI where it can support clinical decisions and improve the quality of care.
“This means choosing technologies that address specific clinical needs, ensuring they are used responsibly and maintaining the standards our patients expect,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Abraham Mathew George, a consultant in internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepatology at JSH, said certain abnormalities on the colon lining can be difficult to distinguish from surrounding tissue, especially when small or flat.
He noted that the additional visual information provided by ENAD allows specialists to examine areas that warrant closer attention during procedures.
“AI does not replace the expertise or judgement of the endoscopist. It supports our clinical assessment and decisions on whether further investigation, treatment or follow-up is needed,” he said.
According to the Health Ministry’s National Strategic Plan for Colorectal Cancer 2021-2025, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia, with around 70 per cent of patients diagnosed at Stage III or IV.
Colonoscopy allows specialists to examine the inner lining of the colon and remove polyps before they can become cancerous.
The deployment of ENAD also aligns with KPJ Healthcare’s long-term strategy under the KPJ Health System, which integrates clinical practice, education, and research and innovation to drive clinical excellence and patient care.
-- BERNAMA