Design and Functional Evaluation of an Endorobotic for Colorectal Visualization [Phase One]

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is considered the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. By 2030, the global burden of CRC is expected to increase by 60%, with an estimated 2.2 million new patients and 1.1 million deaths. Generally, the incidence of CRC, particularly among men, has increased more rapidly in developing countries in comparison to developed countries, which was explained by the absence of a formal national CRC screening and the rising popularity of sedentary lifestyles that often accompany the economic transition. A similar trend is seen in the region and Oman, specifically. CRC is considered one of the most preventable and treatable cancers if detected early due to the slow progression from pre-neoplastic to neoplastic lesions. Therefore, colorectal screening through colonoscopy for high-risk patients has proven its efficacy in detecting pre-neoplastic lesions and decreasing the incidence and mortality of CRC5. The reduction in incidence is due to the removal of the precursor lesion of colorectal cancer, the adenomatous polyp. The widespread global adoption of screening programs among those ?50 years has resulted in a significant decline in CRC incidence in this group in the countries that adopted it. The 2020 ACS report showed a 3.3% and 3% decline in incidence and mortality, respectively, among those ?50 years old. This increase put a burden on the healthcare systems due to a shortage of physicians and un-equipped centers to meet such an increase in incidence. Therefore, designing a cost-effective tool that can do a preliminary evaluation of asymptomatic patients and identify those with suspicious lesions to undergo further investigation will help reduce the load on the scope facilities and reduce the waiting time for appointments.