Improvement of Colonoscopic Image Quality Using a New LED Endoscopic System with Specialized Noise Reduction

Background/Objectives: A new LED endoscopy system featuring advanced noise-reduction technology, the EP-8000 with the EC-860ZP colonoscope (Fujifilm), was introduced in 2024. We evaluated the improvements in colonoscopic image quality of this system, comparing it with a previous system/scope (VP-7000/EC-760ZP). Methods: This is a multicenter, observational study. From January 2024 to February 2025, 150 patients undergoing colonoscopy at two institutions were enrolled. Images of the cecum and lesions were captured using white light imaging (WLI), blue light imaging (BLI), and linked color imaging (LCI) under similar conditions. Participants were divided into three groups: Group 1 (EP-8000+EC-860ZP; 50 cases), Group 2 (EP-8000+EC-760ZP; 50 cases), and Group 3 (VP-7000+EC-760ZP; 50 cases). Cecal and lesion images were evaluated for brightness, halation, and visibility using a four-point scale (1 = poor to 4 = excellent) by endoscopists and original values by image-analysis software. Results: In cecal images, the endoscopists' scores in Group 1 were significantly better than in Group 3 for brightness (WLI: 3.71 ± 0.55 vs. 3.51 ± 0.58, p < 0.001, BLI: 3.15 ± 0.85 vs. 2.23 ± 0.92, p < 0.001; LCI: 3.83 ± 0.42 vs. 3.54 ± 0.58, p < 0.001) and for halation (WLI: 3.60 ± 0.51 vs. 3.18 ± 0.59, p < 0.001, BLI: 2.99 ± 0.69 vs. 2.71 ± 0.78, p < 0.001; LCI: 3.33 ± 0.60 vs. 3.10 ± 0.58, p < 0.001). Software analysis confirmed that Group 1 had superior brightness values compared with Group 3 for WLI, BLI, and LCI, as well as lower halation values for WLI and LCI. Regarding lesion images, brightness, halation, and visibility for WLI, BLI, and LCI were superior in Group 1 than in Group 3. Conclusions: The new LED system provided improvements in brightness, halation, and lesion visibility.