AI Boosts Junior Doctors' Accuracy in Detecting Harmless Colon Polyps During Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Europe, and timely screening through colonoscopy is crucial for prevention. During colonoscopies, identifying and removing dangerous colon polyps at an early stage can significantly reduce the risk of cancer progression. However, accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant polyps often requires significant expertise, a skill typically honed over years of practice. A groundbreaking study from Lower Austria, conducted at the Division of Internal Medicine 2 at St. Pölten University Hospital, suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) can bridge this gap. The study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, demonstrates that junior doctors can achieve diagnostic accuracy on par with experienced specialists when assisted by the GI Genius AI system. Under the leadership of Prim. PD Dr. Andreas Maieron, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology, researchers assessed the performance of endoscopy trainees using the AI system. The study involved 225 participants, whose colonoscopies were performed by junior doctors supported by the GI Genius. The AI system analyzed real-time video footage from the colonoscopies, providing immediate guidance on whether a polyp was harmless or potentially dangerous. The results were remarkable: in cases of small rectal polyps (≤5 mm), junior doctors using the AI system correctly classified polyps as benign more than 90% of the time. This level of accuracy matched that of experienced physicians conducting the same assessments without AI assistance. The AI system alone also demonstrated exceptional precision, achieving over 93% accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of AI to optimize preventive care in colorectal cancer screening. By enabling less experienced doctors to perform reliable and high-quality colonoscopies, AI can increase the accessibility and efficiency of these screenings. Harmless polyps do not always require removal, which reduces the risk of complications, saves time, and lowers healthcare costs. Ultimately, this approach enhances patient safety and provides more effective long-term protection against colorectal cancer. Dr. Maieron emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that AI can help junior doctors work faster and with greater confidence, creating a win-win situation for both medical training and patient outcomes. "We asked: Can artificial intelligence help junior doctors work faster and with greater confidence? The answer is a resounding 'yes,'" he stated. "This is a rare real win-win situation—for training and for those affected." The use of AI in medical diagnostics is a burgeoning field, and this study from the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences underscores its potential to transform cancer screening processes. By leveraging advanced technologies like the GI Genius, healthcare providers can enhance the effectiveness of colorectal cancer prevention, making it safer and more efficient for everyone involved. Industry insiders and medical professionals are increasingly optimistic about the role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. The GI Genius system, developed by Medtronic, is a prime example of how AI can augment human expertise, particularly in complex and critical areas of medicine. This technology not only aids in the detection and classification of colon polyps but also demonstrates the broader applicability of AI in enhancing the capabilities of healthcare practitioners.