Millions of people across Europe undergo optical colonoscopies each year - an invasive procedure often causing discomfort and carrying some risk, while straining hospital capacity. The University of Aberdeen is a partner in an EU-funded project that has been exploring new approaches to address this. The AI-Supported Image Analysis in Large Bowel Camera Capsule Endoscopy (AICE) project is harnessing artificial intelligence to offer a patient-friendly alternative to traditional colonoscopy.
Camera Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that traverses the colon, capturing tens of thousands of images. In the AICE workflow, these ~50,000 images are securely uploaded to the patient’s record from the comfort of their home. Powerful AI algorithms then analyse the images and generate a report flagging any polyps or suspicious lesions for the clinician. By automating image review, the system can enhance diagnostic accuracy while reducing the time, cost, and human error of manual analysis. The result is a faster, less invasive cancer screening process that some patients prefer and that avoids the need for sedation or recovery time. Importantly, this approach could replace up to 75% of conventional colonoscopies, improving patient experience and freeing up precious NHS endoscopy resources.
This Horizon Europe-funded project (~€6 million) has brought together 12 partners - including NHS Highland and universities across Europe to ensure the AICE pathway aligns with healthcare needs. It builds on prior successes like Scotland’s ScotCap program for capsule endoscopy, dovetailing with NHS strategies to boost capacity and efficiency.
One of AICE’s key investigators, University of Aberdeen’s Professor Angus Watson, Clinical Chair in Surgery, was recently awarded an OBE for services to research and surgical care. His leadership, alongside a diverse expert team, underlines AICE’s strong clinical focus and collaborative spirit.
By the end of the project (autumn 2026), the AICE consortium aims to deliver a fully validated AI-assisted CCE diagnostic pathway. This innovation aims to transform colon cancer screening and diagnostics. It exemplifies how cutting-edge AI can potentially benefit patients, support clinicians, and relieve overburdened health systems across the UK and Europe’.