AI-Assisted Colonoscopies: Benefits and Challenges

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-assisted-colonoscopy-linked-higher-rate-benign-lesion-2024a1000k32

Higher Detection Rates but More Benign Findings 

Artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy (AIAC) can improve the early detection of pre-cancerous lesions such as adenomas. However, studies reveal that AIAC also increases the chance of removing benign lesions—growths that pose no cancer risk. This heightened sensitivity may lead to removing more harmless tissue without adding a clear preventive benefit.

Increased Costs and Procedural Risks

The unintended removal of benign lesions can drive up healthcare costs and patients face more procedural risks from extra tissue removal. For instance, experts estimate that widespread AIAC use could result in around 600,000 extra benign tissue removals in the U.S. annually.

Future AI Innovations for More Precise Screening

Gastroenterologists are hopeful AI can eventually differentiate between high-risk and harmless polyps. Further studies are needed to assess whether AIAC can be fine-tuned to focus more on dangerous lesions, thus increasing cancer prevention without unnecessary interventions.