RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

A Randomised Paired Design Study of Texture and Colour Enhancement Imaging (TXI) Versus High-definition White Light Endoscopy

This study is looking at a new imaging technology called Texture and Colour Enhancement Imaging (TXI). It helps bowel doctors (endoscopists) see subtle differences in the lining of the bowel by making textures, brightness, and colours stand out more. This could be especially helpful for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, who need regular checks for changes that could lead to cancer. While early studies suggest TXI might be useful, we don't have strong evidence from a direct comparison with standard colonoscopies yet. This study aims to fill that gap by comparing TXI side-by-side with the usual high-definition colonoscopy to see which is better at finding these important changes in the bowel.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

219

Start

08 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

30 Mar 2029

IBD

What is this study about?

When you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, your doctor often performs regular checks called colonoscopies. During a colonoscopy, a tiny camera is used to look inside your large bowel. The main goal of these checks is to spot any early changes in the bowel lining, called 'dysplasia', which could potentially develop into something more serious if not found and treated.

This study is investigating a new type of camera technology called Texture and Colour Enhancement Imaging, or TXI for short. TXI works by making the textures, brightness, and colours within your bowel lining clearer and more pronounced than what standard cameras show. The idea is that by highlighting these subtle differences, doctors might be able to find any problematic changes more easily and earlier than they currently can.

While some early research suggests that TXI could be very helpful for people with IBD, perhaps even predicting when their condition might flare up or finding issues as well as or better than other special techniques, we don't yet have enough strong evidence. This study is designed to directly compare TXI with the standard, high-quality colonoscopy you might usually have. By doing this comparison, we hope to understand if TXI is genuinely better at helping doctors find these important early changes in patients with IBD.

Key takeaways

This study compares a new camera (TXI) with standard colonoscopy.
It aims to see if TXI is better at finding early warning signs in the bowel for people with IBD.
Participation involves no extra visits; it's part of your planned colonoscopy.
TXI might help doctors spot important changes more easily and earlier.
The risks are similar to a standard colonoscopy.
You can always choose to leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are over 16 years old and have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and you are already scheduled for a routine colonoscopy to check your bowel.

Specifically, if you have Crohn's disease, you would need to have quite a bit of your colon (large bowel) affected. If you have ulcerative colitis, your disease should affect the extensive or left-sided parts of your colon and have been present for at least 8 years. You might also be eligible if you have another condition called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis along with your IBD, regardless of disease duration.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your IBD hasn't been present for long enough (unless you also have Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), if a previous colonoscopy couldn't be fully completed, or if your bowel preparation wasn't good enough. You also wouldn't be able to take part if you have very active inflammation, a current narrowing in your bowel, have had major bowel surgery, or if you have certain blood clotting problems or are pregnant. Also, you need to be able and willing to understand the study and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 16 years old?
Do you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis)?
Are you scheduled for a routine colonoscopy to monitor your IBD?
If you have Ulcerative Colitis, has it affected the extensive or left side of your colon for at least 8 years, or do you also have Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis?
Do you not have very active inflammation or major bowel surgery in your past?
Are you able and willing to give your consent to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it won't add any extra visits to your usual colonoscopy appointment. The study will take place during your planned 'surveillance colonoscopy' – this is a routine check-up to monitor your bowel. During this single procedure, the doctor will simply use two different camera settings – the standard high-definition view and the new TXI view – to look at your bowel. This comparison will happen during the same examination, so it won't make your procedure significantly longer. You won't need to take any extra medication specifically for the study. After your colonoscopy, there will be no additional follow-up appointments required for the study itself; your regular medical care will continue as planned.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might benefit you by allowing your doctor to use an advanced imaging technique (TXI) during your colonoscopy. This new technology could potentially help them spot subtle changes in your bowel lining more clearly than with standard imaging alone, which might lead to earlier detection of any issues. The risks associated with participating are generally the same as those for a standard colonoscopy, which include a small risk of bleeding, perforation (a small tear in the bowel wall), or reactions to sedation. The use of TXI does not add significant new risks, as it's just a different view on the same camera. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Central Middlesex Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'surveillance colonoscopy'?

It's a regular check-up colonoscopy performed for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) to look for any changes in the bowel lining over time.

What is TXI?

TXI (Texture and Colour Enhancement Imaging) is a new camera setting that makes the textures, brightness, and colours inside your bowel clearer, helping doctors see subtle details.

Will this study involve extra procedures or appointments?

No, the study will simply use two different camera settings during your single, already-planned colonoscopy appointment. There are no extra procedures or follow-up visits just for the study.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, your decision to take part or not will not affect your usual medical care or treatment for your IBD.

What are 'dysplasia' and why is finding it important?

Dysplasia refers to early, abnormal changes in the cells of the bowel lining. Finding these changes early is important because they could potentially develop into bowel cancer if not monitored or treated.

How to find out more

Jonathan Landy, Consultant Gastroenterologist

jonathan.landy@nhs.net 020 8869 544 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.