Current Status and Role of Artificial Intelligence in Anorectal Diseases and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Anorectal diseases and pelvic floor disorders are prevalent among the general population. Patients may present with overlapping symptoms, delaying diagnosis, and lowering quality of life. Treating physicians encounter numerous challenges attributed to the complex nature of pelvic anatomy, limitations of diagnostic techniques, and lack of available resources. This article is an overview of the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in tackling the difficulties of managing benign anorectal disorders and pelvic floor disorders.

A systematic literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched the PubMed database to identify all potentially relevant studies published from January 2000 to August 2023. Search queries were built using the following terms: AI, machine learning, deep learning, benign anorectal disease, pelvic floor disorder, fecal incontinence, obstructive defecation, anal fistula, rectal prolapse, and anorectal manometry. Malignant anorectal articles and abstracts were excluded. Data from selected articles were analyzed.

139 articles were found, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The most common AI module was convolutional neural network. researchers were able to develop AI modules to optimize imaging studies for pelvis, fistula, and abscess anatomy, facilitated anorectal manometry interpretation, and improved high-definition anoscope use. None of the modules were validated in an external cohort.

There is potential for AI to enhance the management of pelvic floor and benign anorectal diseases. Ongoing research necessitates the use of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration between physicians and AI programmers to tackle pressing challenges.