Forth Valley Royal Hospital has become the very first in Scotland to use a new bowel screening diagnostic technique which could save lives.
The new digital probe, known as the LumenEye X1 device, could also improve diagnosis as well as avoid the need for a colonoscopy and help reduce waiting lists.
It's has been introduced to staff at the Endoscopy Unit in Larbert.
The new service will also enable colorectal surgeons and nurse endoscopists to examine patients referred with a number of symptoms, including rectal bleeding, and carry out follow up checks in patients who have undergone bowel surgery.
Health bosses say that the small HD camera, which captures loads of pictures, can help quickly identify a number of common conditions including polyps, inflammation and haemorrhoids.
It means that many patients do not need to undergo further investigations such as a colonoscopy, helping to free up diagnostic capacity for those with more serious conditions such as cancer and other bowel diseases.
NHS Forth Valley, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon and Colorectal Cancer Lead, Mr John Camilleri-Brennan, said "The Surgical and Endoscopy Units at NHS Forth Valley have a strong track record of embracing innovation and advances in technology for the benefit of patients.
"The versatility of the new LumenEye device enables us to obtain a timely and accurate diagnosis of diseases of the rectum, as well as actively improve the efficiency of bowel surgery.
"The service also has the potential to reduce the number of patients who require a colonoscopy and help reduce waiting times."
