Artificial intelligence for colon polyp detection: Why should we embrace this?

Optimal success of colonoscopy for prevention of colorectal cancer is currently measured by adenoma detection rate (ADR), which reflects a colonoscopists ability to identify colorectal and remove precancerous polyps. Among colonoscopists in the same health care system and shared patient population, ADR varies from 7% to 53%. For every 1% increase in ADR, risk of interval colorectal cancer is reduced by 3%-6%. Beyond attaining excellent exposure of entire mucosal surface during colonoscopy, ADR can be improved with a second observer. Computer-aided detection (“facial recognition” for polyps) has potential to improve ADR as a second observer. Several groups are working to bring this technology into the endoscopy unit. Success will require real-time implementation of an affordable system with very high accuracy and proven benefit to improve ADR and reduce miss rate of precancerous lesions. In just the past year, computer-aided detection systems that run live during colonoscopy have been shown to improve ADR using affordable off-the-shelf computers.

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Author Robin Zachariah Medicine, Gastroenterology