Researchers tested the capsule robot, which has a tether that is smaller in diameter than conventional endoscopes, 30 times in the colon of a pig. Scientists have used a tiny capsule guided by an external magnet attached to a robotic arm to successfully perform intricate manoeuvres inside the colon, an advance that will reduce discomfort of colonoscopies. Researchers hope that the 18-millimetre capsule robot could be used safely and effectively in the future on humans to identify and remove pre-cancerous lesions and tumours detected during colonoscopy.
An associate professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, US said that there is no doubt in the value of colonoscopies to keep people healthy through preventive screening for colon cancer, but many individuals still avoid this procedure, because of fear of the test itself, perceived discomfort or the risk of sedation. He also…
