WATS 3D
WATS 3D is a groundbreaking technology that uses artificial intelligence to help spot oesophageal cancer early.
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What is it for?
To help spot oesophageal cancer early
Overview
WATS 3D is a ground breaking technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help specialists spot early-stage cancer in the food pipe (oesophagus).
If you’ve been found to be at high risk of cancer of the oesophagus, your specialist will suggest a camera investigation of the food pipe (endoscopy).
During a traditional endoscopy, the specialist visually inspects the food pipe and then takes tissue samples (biopsies).
Some early cancers can be very difficult to spot, and pre-cancerous changes in the cells may not be visible at all, leading to biopsies only being taken from normal tissue.
WATS 3D helps your specialist both identify areas that need investigation.
This ensures that the samples they take are much more likely to catch any pre-cancerous changes, as early as possible.
Studies have shown that endoscopy with WATS 3D can be 400% more precise than procedures without.
Samples taken are analysed in a WATS 3D laboratory, which gives a unique view of the biopsies, allowing earlier detection of any changes that need to be investigated further.
The London Clinic was the first private hospital in the UK to adopt this innovative technology, to ensure that you get the very best care.
Endoscopy with WATS 3D at The London Clinic
Your endoscopy will be performed by one of our world-renowned gastroenterologists in our purpose-built endoscopy unit.
On the day of the procedure, you will meet the staff who will be looking after you.
Your specialist will be on hand to talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
The procedure can be performed with numbing sprays or by putting you to sleep temporarily (sedation). Your specialist will talk with you about your choices.
Once the back of your throat is numb, a thin camera (endoscope) is passed through your mouth and down the oesophagus.
The specialist will use WATS 3D to identify areas of interest and take samples as needed.
Once the procedure has finished, you’ll be allowed to recover at your own speed.
If you’ve had sedation, you’ll need someone to travel home with, and you must not drive or work for twenty-four hours.
Your specialist will be in contact to make sure that you have recovered well and to organise follow-up.
We are very proud of our endoscopy unit, and this is reflected in the service that the patients receive, with it consistently being given a satisfaction rating of between 98% and 100%.
Why might I need an endoscopy with WATS 3D?
Your specialist may recommend an endoscopy if you have signs of a problem in your oesophagus, or if you are at higher risk of oesophageal cancer.
Some reasons for an endoscopy of the oesophagus include:
- Persistent reflux
- New problem swallowing
- Pain in the chest
- Previous changes to the oesophagus lining from reflux (Barrett’s oesophagus)
- Weight loss
If you do need a WATS 3D endoscopy, rest assured that you are at the centre of what we do, and will be treated by some of the most highly-skilled specialists in the world.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
Once your specialist has helped you prepare for the endoscopy, either with local numbing sprays or sedation, a thin camera will be passed through your mouth.
The specialist will use advanced WATS 3D technology to identify areas of interest to take tissue samples from, and also to ensure that no areas are missed.
The samples taken will be analysed to see if there are any abnormal cells present.
After the procedure you’ll recover in our purpose-built unit, and cared for by our dedicated nursing staff.
The cells that line the food pipe (oesophagus) can be damaged by a number of factors, including smoking, alcohol and persistent reflux.
Long term reflux can give rise to changes in the lining of the food pipe, a condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus.
Damaged cells attempt to repair themselves, but occasionally this process goes wrong and the cells multiply uncontrollably. This is known as oesophageal cancer.
For oesophageal cancer, as for all cancers, the earlier you can detect it, the easier it is to treat and the more likely it is to be curable.
WATS 3D greatly increases the ability of specialists to detect both pre-cancerous changes and early oesophageal cancers.
Once pre-cancerous changes have been found, your specialist can help you take steps to reduce the risk of a cancer forming.
Your specialist might suggest other investigations to get a better understanding of your symptoms, and to create a treatment plan just for you.
These might include:
- BRAVO pH testing - allows your specialist to measure the acidity in your oesophagus, to investigate reflux and heartburn
- Oesophageal manometry - allows your specialist to measure the function of your oesophagus, to investigate reflux, problems swallowing or pain with eating
- Endoscopic ultrasound - uses a special camera that can also take ultrasound images, to investigate problems with the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder and pancreas