AI Permits Diagnose-and-Leave Plan for Small Polyps

Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) in colonoscopy may provide real-time differentiation between neoplastic polyps requiring resection and non-neoplastic polyps that can safely be left in place, according to a Japanese study in Annals of Internal Medicine. This method allows the complete resection of adenomatous polyps while preventing unnecessary polypectomy of non-neoplastic polyps. As screening for colon cancer increases worldwide, this approach could result in efficiencies and cost savings. Researchers led by Yuichi Mori, MD, PhD, of Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital in Japan, looked at 791 consecutive patients having colonoscopy at the hospital with a total of 23 endoscopists in the period June to September 2017. Indications for colonoscopy included surveillance (most common), screening, symptom investigations, and planned treatment of other polyps.