Virtual Versus Dye-based Chromoendoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surveillance Colonoscopy

Summary

People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease affecting the colon, have a higher risk of developing colon cancer over time. To catch early signs of cancer, regular colonoscopies are recommended. In this study, the investigators are comparing two advanced methods of examining the colon during these surveillance colonoscopies. One method uses a special dye sprayed inside the colon to highlight abnormal areas (called dye-based chromoendoscopy). The other method uses new technology built into the camera to enhance the view without needing any dye (called virtual chromoendoscopy). Both methods use modern, high-definition equipment.

The purpose of this study is to find out if the newer, dye-free method is as good as the traditional dye method at detecting pre-cancerous changes (called dysplasia) in people with IBD.

Adults with IBD who are due for a routine surveillance colonoscopy may be invited to take part. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two methods. No additional procedures are involved, and only the way the colon is viewed differs. The investigators will also look at how long the procedures take, how many biopsies are needed, any complications, and how patients experience the exam. Participants will be followed over time using national health records to check for long-term outcomes.

This research will help doctors better understand which method is most effective and comfortable for patients, and may guide future recommendations for cancer screening in people with IBD.

Conditions

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Ulcerative Colitis (Disorder)
• Crohns Disease
• Colorectal Neoplasms

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Virtual Chromoendoscopy

High-Definition Virtual Chromoendoscopy (HD-VCE): Surveillance colonoscopy using high-definition virtual chromoendoscopy enhances mucosal visualization through advanced imaging filters integrated into the colonoscope. This dye-free technique improves detection of dysplasia by increasing contrast and highlighting subtle mucosal patterns during withdrawal. HD-VCE reduces procedure time and eliminates risks related to dye application, offering a practical alternative to dye-based methods. Its efficacy in IBD surveillance requires further validation.

PROCEDURE

Dye-Based Chromoendoscopy

High-Definition Dye-Based Chromoendoscopy (HD-DCE): Surveillance colonoscopy using high-definition dye-based chromoendoscopy involves segmental application of indigo carmine dye via a spray catheter. The dye enhances mucosal surface patterns, aiding dysplasia detection. HD-DCE is currently considered a gold standard in IBD surveillance due to superior dysplasia detection rates.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uppsala University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Sahlgrenska University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Falu Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Karolinska University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Örebro University, Sweden

  collaborator OTHER

• Ersta Diakoni

  collaborator OTHER

• Saint Göran Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital, Linkoeping

  collaborator OTHER

• Region Stockholm

  lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

DIAGNOSTIC

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-01

Primary Completion

2029-12-31

Completion

2032-12-31

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations