Colonoscopy in Bangkok: Advanced Techniques for Early Cancer Detection

Colonoscopy in Bangkok: Advanced Techniques for Early Cancer Detection

Colon cancer begins as a slow-growing, small growth in the colon or rectum area. Over time, these precancerous growths – called polyps – can turn into cancer. Colonoscopy is a screening test that checks the inner lining of the large intestine for polyps. It provides the best diagnostic accuracy of all detection methods. Additionally, it offers benefits of no pain, no incision, and only a short time needed for both preparation and procedure. A colonoscopy will detect most small polyps and almost all large polyps and cancers. Thereby, it substantially reduces the risk of developing and/or dying from colon cancer by up to 90%. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.

Early detection of colon cancer is crucial, and our advanced colonoscopy services are designed with you in mind. At our state-of-the-art facility in Bangkok, we use cutting-edge NBI technology and AI-assisted diagnostics to ensure unparalleled accuracy. Our experienced gastroenterologists are dedicated to making your procedure as comfortable and efficient as possible. With a focus on patient care and advanced medical techniques, we strive to provide the best possible outcomes for your health and peace of mind.

Colonoscopy once every 10 years, for adults above 45, reduces colon cancer mortality by more than half.

#OnceThatMatters

Who is it for?

The American Cancer Society recommends people above the age of 45 to get a colon cancer screening because they have higher risks. However, that does not mean that people younger than 45 have no chance of developing colon cancer. Click here to learn warning signs, symptoms and risk factors.

Reference: Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening by The American Cancer Society (ACS)

Colon cancer studies conducted in the United States recommend that patients undergo a follow-up screening approximately every 10 years. The studies warn, however, that 6 – 8% of patients whose first screening identified interval cancer in a subsequent screening 10 years later. This indicates that, for some patients, one screening every 10 years is too infrequent. Many observers therefore recommend that the interval between each screening should be reduced to seven years or five years. However, there is still disagreement on this point. Finding the correct frequency of screenings will depend on the individual profile and symptoms of each patient. Some patients may not need to wait 5 – 10 years, they may need to wait just two years. The doctor will therefore consider each patient on a case-by-case basis.

How does a colonoscopy work?

When looking at the epithelium and the shape of the blood vessels in a polyp, the doctor will check to see whether any abnormalities can be identified. Previously, the doctor would conduct a colonoscopy using a white light, but this method does not always give a clear enough image. In such cases, the doctor administers a dye injection to the patient to highlight epithelium and the shape of the blood vessels. But the dyeing process takes time to achieve enough contrast for examination.

Subsequently, through a medical collaboration with Sano Hospital in Japan, Samitivej adopted Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic classification (NICE) with magnification. This is the most validated classification system for the detection of colorectal polyps. NBI is an imaging technique that uses a light spectrum of blue and green wavelengths to stimulate hemoglobin (Hb) (an important molecule carried by our red blood cells). As the hemoglobin molecules absorb the blue and green wavelengths, nearby blood vessels will start to appear a dark brown in color. This allows us to see the epithelium and shape of the blood vessels more clearly due the contrast in color. NBI also enables us to magnify these images, so that the doctor can see the shape of the blood vessels in maximum detail. As a result he/she can immediately distinguish the depth of any invasion of cancer cells in the tissue.

Colonoscopy in Bangkok: Advanced Techniques for Early Cancer Detection

The composition of cell tissue in a colorectal polyp, as seen by NBI, can be divided into three types called NICE classification:

NICE 1: The polyp’s cell tissue still has a normal composition. In this case, the doctor will order follow-up checks to monitor the development of the polyp. However, he/she will not need to remove the polyp because the chances of it being cancerous are still very slim.

NICE 2: The composition of the cell tissue looks similar to a net, which indicates that the cells could eventually become cancerous. The doctor will therefore remove the polyp immediately using a coil or a special type of electric knife.

NICE 3: The cell tissue appears wild and disorderly, much like cancer cells. In this case, the doctor may not remove the whole polyp using a colonoscope, but may use tissue acquisition instead. The patient will need a consultation with an oncologist to assess which method of removing the polyp is most suitable.

The use of the NBI technique gives a more precise diagnosis. It also makes it easier for the doctor to devise a treatment plan. NBI can identify even the smallest polyps, as little as 5mm in diameter. This, thus, allows the doctor to calculate as accurately as possible whether the polyps pose a risk to the rest of the body. With a white-light colonoscopy, however, such small polyps might go unnoticed.

Still, the effectiveness of any colonoscopy using NBI largely depends on the expertise of the doctor and his/her mastery of the technique. It depends specifically on his/her adeptness at reading the results of the epithelium screening. Moreover, since there are only a small number of doctors who are experts in this technique, hospitals often overlook NBI as a screening option. This should not be the case, however. Infact, NBI offers a safe alternative to chromoendoscopy, as doctors just need to inject the patient with a dye or stain.

A Team of Expert Doctors and AI Technology from Japan

Samitivej Hospital, located in Bangkok, Thailand, has partnered with Sano Hospital in Japan, a facility world-renowned for its expertise in the removal of large polyps in the colon and early detection of gastric cancer using gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques. Since 2015, doctors from Samitivej’s Liver and Digestive Institute have traveled to Japan to train in colonoscopy and surgery, while doctors from SANO Hospital have come to Thailand to share their knowledge and conduct case studies on Samitivej patients.

At present, Samitivej is using AI technology in colonoscopy, along with NBI techniques from Japan that help double the accuracy rate in diagnosis. This collaboration and technological advancement have led to significant achievements by Samitivej in the field of gastroenterology, notably in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer:

  • 13,595 cases of colon cancer prevented using AI
  • Colon cancer incidence reduced by 60%
  • Colon cancer fatalities reduced by 60 - 70%
  • EndoBRAIN-EYE detects 1.5 times more polyps
  • NBI techniques from Japan double diagnostic accuracy
  • GI doctors at Samitivej Sukhumvit achieve a 55% average adenoma detection rate, compared with the 25% industry average have led to significant achievements by Samitivej in the field of gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)
  • The cost of cancer treatment reduced 20-fold

How is it done?

  • The first step is to clear the bowel using an oral laxative so that is clean, because normally there are faeces remaining inside the bowel at all times. Patients may have to start drinking the laxative at night in preparation for their colonoscopy the next morning. Patients will also need to abstain from eating and drinking for six hours before the screening. Alternatively, patients may abstain from eating and drinking from home and consume 2 – 3 liters of laxative in the morning at the hospital. They can then spend 2 – 3 hours using the toilet to clear the bowel and become ready to receive treatment.
  • Next, the doctor will inject the patient with a sedative and a painkiller. They do so to reduce discomfort caused by distension of the colon when it is filled with air, much like when a balloon is inflated. This should allow the doctor to see the interior of the colon in detail. However, if the patient is elderly and has a chronic illness, he or she will be administered a weaker sedative in the form of an inhalant. The inhalant is fast-acting but wears off quickly.
  • Once the patient is sedated, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum. The colonoscope will be around 1.60m long, so that it can extend the entire length of the bowel, which is around 1.50m long. After inserting the colonoscope, the doctor will then gently guide it deep into the bowel, to a depth of around 70 – 80cm. The doctor may check as far as the entry of the colon and the end of the partial small intestine.
  • If the doctor detects polyp smaller than 3cm, he/she will excise the polyp via the colonoscope. The colonoscope will have a duct through which the doctor can inset the cauterisation equipment for excising outgrowths of tissue. This means that polyp removals can be performed at the time as a regular screening, within a single procedure. The screening process should take about 30 minutes, but may take longer if there are many polyps that require removal.


During colonoscopy, if specialists find large flat polyps, they will apply the Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) technique. This procedure allows the removal of polyps without the need for open surgery. This minimizes surgical risks, removes the need for abdominal incisions (scarless), shortens hospitalization, and allows patients to recover much more rapidly. All of this enables patients to return to their normal lifestyle more quickly, reduces complications and increases safety levels. ESD is a new scarless surgical technique implemented by Samtivej Hospital as a result of its collaboration with Sano Hospital, Japan’s leading private hospital specialized and advanced in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for advanced diagnosis and therapeutic via endoscopy.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?

The first step is to visit a doctor to evaluate your situation and suitability. If you take medications or supplements, inform the doctor. This is important, as you may need to adjust your dosage or stop the medications until after the colonoscopy.

After making an appointment for your colonoscopy, you should take the following steps:

  1. Stop taking aspirin or other medications that thin the blood for a week before the colonoscopy.
  2. Do not eat high-fiber food such as vegetables or fruits three days before the colonoscopy.
  3. Clean out your entire colon and rectum by taking a laxative. In addition, follow the preparation procedures provided by your doctor the day before the colonoscopy.
  4. Do not eat or drink anything at least 6-8 hours before the colonoscopy.

Samitivej has a team ready to help and provide services for:

  • Treatment Plan Consultation with a doctor via online video-call (second opinion)
  • Treatment Planning if you have medical records or a price estimate from another hospital
  • Cost Planning by our Appraisals Team with price guarantee (only for procedure packages without complications)
  • Check Initial Coverage Eligibility with Thai and international insurance companies (only for insurance companies in contract with the Hospital)

Why choose Samitivej Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, for your colon cancer care?

Samitivej Hospital is a trusted, internationally recognized private hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, offering unparalleled expertise in colon cancer screening and treatment:

  • World-class gastroenterologists: Our team of highly trained, internationally recognized gastroenterologists ensure you receive the best possible care.
  • Partnership with leading Japanese hospital: Our collaboration with SANO Hospital, a leader in GI endoscopy, brings advanced Japanese techniques and expertise to Bangkok.
  • AI-assisted technology: We utilize cutting-edge AI technology from Japan to enhance the accuracy of colon cancer screening.
  • Comprehensive treatment options: We offer a full spectrum of colon cancer treatments, ensuring personalized care plans.
  • Precision medicine leader: Experience state-of-the-art genetic testing to identify cancer risks and tailor your treatment accordingly.

You can consult our specialist online to find out about the treatment options most suitable for your condition via Samitivej Virtual Hospital. To schedule an appointment or for more information CLICK HERE.

colonoscopy cost

Get Professional Help Today

SEND AN INQUIRY OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

*Required

First name*
First name*
Last name*
Last name*
Question*
Question*
Email Address*
Email Address*

Testimonials

Colonoscopy in Bangkok: Advanced Techniques for Early Cancer Detection

"If it is time to get colonoscopy, you should; It’s important." - Dr.Korn told Michael that, because he is over 50 years old, he should get a colonoscopy. Knowing the risk of colon cancer increases with age, Michael agreed to the procedure. The colonoscopy showed there was a polyp present, and Dr. Korn had reason to believe it was active. read more..

Colonoscopy in Bangkok: Advanced Techniques for Early Cancer Detection

"I’ve learned first hand that a colonoscopy is very useful" - Ms. Williams started to notice changes in her energy and digestion. She decided to visit Dr. Morakod. What Dr. Morakod discovered during a screening were multiple, read more..


Rating
Sign up

Already have an account?