Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi becomes UAE’s leading AI-assisted colonoscopy Center

UAE —Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a prominent member of the M42 group renowned for its healthcare innovations in the UAE, has reached a significant milestone as the region’s leading center for AI-assisted colonoscopy.

This achievement highlights the hospital’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its medical practices to enhance patient care and outcomes significantly.

The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has been at the forefront of innovation, offering the community a state-of-the-art screening experience.

Since January 2024, the hospital has utilized six AI-assisted colonoscopy units to serve over 2,000 patients, showcasing its commitment to advanced diagnostic techniques.

 This AI technology has assisted physicians in detecting and diagnosing colorectal conditions with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.

The AI system employed by the hospital provides real-time analysis during colonoscopies with the capability to identify polyps and other abnormalities that might escape the human eye, thereby facilitating timely interventions and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Ammar Kheir, a Staff Physician in Gastroenterology at the Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, underscored the critical impact of missed opportunities in cancer care.

He explained that a significant portion of cancer cases can be attributed to what is known as interval cancer, where polyps or abnormalities may remain undetected during a colonoscopy and potentially progress into cancer over several years.

Colorectal cancer remains a major health problem in the UAE, ranking as the most common cancer among men and the third most common among women.

According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, it is also the main cause of cancer-related deaths, owing primarily to delays in detection and preventative efforts.

Despite its high prevalence, colorectal cancer is highly preventable if detected early.

Recognizing this essential need, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi significantly emphasizes early screening, as symptoms frequently appear later in the disease’s progression.

In response, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health has recommended that everyone over 40 receive routine colorectal cancer screenings.

AI-assisted colonoscopy has significant benefits in colorectal cancer screening because it improves the screening process by analyzing vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, resulting in faster results and fewer false results.

This technique eliminates unnecessary follow-ups and treatments, reducing patient anxiety and lowering the chance of cancer development, thus improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Kheir reflected on the transformative impact of AI integration in colonoscopy techniques, noting that while various interventions have been explored, AI stands out as the most promising advancement in recent times.

He highlighted systematic reviews, which represent the highest quality of research and consistently demonstrate the efficacy of AI in enhancing detection rates and patient outcomes.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s AI colonoscopy program not only sets a new standard in the region but also aligns with the UAE’s vision of incorporating AI to advance healthcare.

Through its innovative  initiatives and multidisciplinary approach to complex care, the hospital continues redefining healthcare excellence standards.