Benefits and challenges in implementation of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy: World Endoscopy Organization...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in colonoscopy is growing, yet implementation faces challenges due to limited data on clinical benefits, cost-effectiveness, and lack of clear guidelines.
• The World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) has issued a position statement to address these challenges and guide practitioners on AI in colonoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a WEO perspective on the current status and implementation of AI in colonoscopy.
• To outline recommendations regarding the use of computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) in colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• The WEO developed a position statement based on expert consensus regarding AI applications in colonoscopy.
• The statement addresses computer-aided detection (CADe) for polyps and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) for diminutive polyps.

Main Results:

• Computer-aided detection (CADe) is expected to improve colonoscopy effectiveness by reducing missed adenomas, potentially increasing short-term healthcare costs but offering long-term savings through cancer prevention.
• Computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) for small polyps may reduce costs by decreasing unnecessary polypectomies and pathological examinations.
• Both CADe and CADx require evaluation of their cost-effectiveness by healthcare systems and authorities.

Conclusions:

• AI in colonoscopy, specifically CADe and CADx, holds potential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and influencing healthcare economics.
• Further high-quality cost-effectiveness research is crucial to determine the population and societal benefits of AI implementation across diverse healthcare systems.