AI-Assisted Colonoscopy: A New Standard for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the landscape of colorectal cancer screening. The integration of AI into routine colonoscopy procedures is enhancing the precision and efficiency of examinations, helping physicians to identify potentially cancerous polyps earlier and more effectively. This technological leap promises to improve patient outcomes and, potentially, reduce long-term healthcare costs.
For gastroenterologist Scott Ketover, CEO of MNGI Digestive Health, the benefits of AI-assisted colonoscopy have become readily apparent. He has been using the GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy system for the past two years and has seen a significant boost in his detection rate. “Because we’re using the GI Genius™ system, we’re doing better clinical work with more polyps identified, leading to a greater procedure shift from diagnostic to therapeutic screening colonoscopies,” he notes.
Dr. Ketover and his colleagues have employed this technology in over 35,000 colonoscopies, improving their ability to detect precancerous polyps by more than 30%. Clinical studies have also demonstrated a 14.4% increase in the adenoma detection rate, with results varying depending on the study. The GI Genius™ system, developed by Medtronic and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2021, is designed to work with standard endoscopic procedures. The system uses an AI processor to analyze data from the camera scope, flagging potential polyps and lesions on a video monitor to assist the clinician.
Smart Investment for Improved Outcomes
Beyond the enhanced accuracy in colorectal cancer screening, Dr. Ketover highlights the financial benefits of the technology at his ten private practice locations in Minnesota. “It’s important from our point of view, obviously, that a new technology at least pays for itself,” he states. The system helps detect polyps that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
The use of the GI Genius™ system allows clinicians to remove more polyps during colonoscopies. This enhances patient outcomes and is a significant driver of incremental revenue for practices, as they can utilize existing colonoscopy codes. Data collected also helps physicians identify patients at higher risk of developing future cancers, enabling them to schedule follow-up screenings at shorter intervals.
Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. More than 53,000 deaths were expected in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection is critical to improving survival rates and reducing long-term healthcare costs, making this technology a strategically sound investment for medical institutions.
Removing precancerous polyps can prevent the need for costly treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and advanced-stage cancer care. A 2022 microsimulation model suggested that AI-assisted screening colonoscopy could prevent more colorectal cancer cases and deaths than conventional colonoscopy, potentially saving money spent on treating patients with developed cancer.
AI as a Second Pair of Eyes
Traditional colonoscopy methods can miss a significant number of precancerous polyps. According to a 2019 study in Gastroenterology, conventional methods can miss more than 25% of adenomas. This emphasizes the critical need for tools like the GI Genius system.
Dr. Rajesh Keswani, system director of endoscopy and director of quality for the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Institute in Chicago, began using the device in 2022. He describes the system as “essentially a second set of eyes in the room that is constantly scanning the screen as well, obviously undistracted and able to identify polyps that we know that humans might miss.” Even skilled gastroenterologists can overlook subtle lesions and small polyps.
Following a positive nine-month pilot trial, Dr. Keswani and Northwestern Medicine expanded the adoption of the technology across their health system. The GI Genius™ system is now deployed in approximately 50 endoscopy rooms within the Northwestern Medicine system.
Northwestern Medicine’s investment in this cutting-edge technology sets a precedent. As Dr. Keswani explains, “People still look towards academic centres in many ways to lead the way, to show whether or not technology is ready for adoption.” Hannah Koczka, vice president of ventures and innovation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, confirms the program’s expansion, stating, “This is now standard of care for us.”
Impact and Future of AI in Colorectal Cancer Screening
Studies consistently show the benefits of AI-assisted colonoscopies. As a 2020 study published in Gastroenterology demonstrated, the use of the GI Genius™ system led to a 14% increase in the adenoma detection rate compared to conventional colonoscopy. By enhancing detection rates, these technologies enable earlier interventions that not only improve patient outcomes but also provide value for healthcare providers.
Dr. Ketover envisions the widespread adoption of the GI Genius™ system, believing it should become a universal standard of care, whether in academic centers or community offices. He emphasizes that advanced technology is key to saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Disclaimer: Dr. Ketover and Dr. Keswani are both paid consultants for Medtronic.
