Although colonoscopy exams have been shown to prevent many colon cancer deaths and are considered the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancers, a new endoscopic technology has been shown to be even more effective. For this reason, Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) has invested in the Fuse endoscope system that allows doctors to see nearly twice the anatomy seen with a traditional, forward-viewing endoscope.

The Fuse endoscope system uses three small cameras at the tip of a flexible gastrointestinal endoscope. The technology is all about seeing more of the GI tract. It projects the expanded view on three screens to give physicians previously unseen views, such as behind colonic folds and difficult anatomy.

In a multi-center trial conducted in the U.S., Europe and Israel, researchers performed a series of colonoscopies comparing standard, forward-viewing endoscopes and the new Fuse system. The 185-patient trial showed Fuse found 69 percent more pre-cancerous lesions, or adenomas, when compared to standard, forward-viewing endoscopes.

Standard, forward-viewing endoscopes provide up to 170 degrees of forward vision. The advantage of Fuse is that it allows endoscopists to examine twice the anatomy with a wide 330-degree view.

“The Fuse technology can dramatically improve the effectiveness of this life-saving procedure,” said Terri Brown, director of Endoscopy Services. “And improving the effectiveness of every procedure we perform here at Hamilton is what we’re all about.”

A screening colonoscopy is recommended at age 50 or earlier for those with increased risk factors, including: family and personal history, colon polyps and/or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, race (high incidence in African Americans), tobacco use, high alcohol use, obesity and high fat diet.

Patient scheduling with the new Fuse system is now available at HMC.