Austin Gastroenterology Now Offers AI-Assisted Colonoscopies

Dr. Harish Gagneja, who specializes in AI-assisted screening colonoscopies.

Austin Gastroenterology is now providing an advanced colonoscopy powered by artificial intelligence. The Medtronic GI GeniusTM module– the first FDA-cleared1 AI-assisted colonoscopy technology–is designed to enhance the detection of precancerous polyps2 that could lead to colorectal cancer3.

Now available at all four Austin Endoscopy Center locations –North Austin, South Austin, Bee Cave, and Leander– the GI GeniusTM module uses real-time AI technology to help physicians identify abnormalities during colonoscopies. Board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Harish Gagneja, explains that GI GeniusTM acts as a “second set of eyes,” scanning live images and comparing them against a database of over 72,000 images of adenomas and polyps.

Our Business is Colon Cancer Prevention

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with over 150,000 new cases each year4. Early detection and removal of polyps are key to preventing it.

Dr. Gagneja emphasizes this point:

“The most important part of a colonoscopy is to prevent colon cancer. Colon cancer is prevented when we take the polyps out. With GI GeniusTM, the physician is able to detect and remove more polyps.”

A 2022 study published in Gastroenterology, the journal of the American Gastroenterological Association demonstrated the effectiveness of GI GeniusTM. Two groups of patients underwent two sam-day back-to-back colonoscopies. One group underwent a colonoscopy with GI GeniusTM module followed by a standard colonoscopy without GI GeniusTM module. The other group underwent a standard colonoscopy without GI GeniusTM module followed by a colonoscopy with GI GeniusTM module. The technology was shown to significantly decrease the miss rate of adenomas and polyps by 45.8%.6

While GI GeniusTM is a powerful tool in detecting precancerous polyps, Dr. Gagneja stresses that it is not a replacement for a physician’s expertise:

“GI GeniusTM provides an additional layer of scrutiny, helping physicians find more polyps and reduce the risk of colon cancer.”

How do AI-assisted colonoscopies differ?

GI GeniusTM does not change how the colonoscopy feels or add any extra risk. The procedure is exactly the same from the patient’s perspective. There is no additional cost, no added discomfort, and no difference in how you prepare. GI GeniusTM works quietly in the background providing your doctor with real-time support by flagging areas of concern. It is not a replacement for your physician, but a helpful tool that supports their expertise and helps them take a closer look. This technology has been cleared by the FDA and is being used safely in practices like ours to improve detection and outcomes.

Quality Measures for Colonoscopy

One key indicator of colonoscopy quality is adenoma detection rate or ADR. ADR is the percentage of patients who undergo a screening colonoscopy that have one or more precancerous polyps detected. While national benchmarks are set at 30% for men and 20% for women, Austin Gastroenterology physicians significantly exceed these benchmarks averaging 61.2% ADR in men and 47.5% ADR in women in 2024. The addition of GI GeniusTM seeks to improve these numbers.

So how does ADR impact patients? Dr. Gagneja points to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine stating that for every 1% increase in ADR, there is a 3% decreased risk of developing interval cancer6.

The Future of Colonoscopies

Looking ahead, Dr. Gagneja believes it is possible for AI-assisted colonoscopies to become a standard part of care. While there is a long road ahead in making AI-assisted colonoscopies commonplace, for now, Austin Gastroenterology is proud to offer this advanced service at all four Austin Endoscopy Center locations.

To learn more about colon cancer prevention and the GI GeniusTM module, request an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians.

Dr. Harish Gagneja is a proud member of regional and national professional societies including Travis County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterology Association, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, American Society of GI Endoscopy, and Texas Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, where he has served as President. He serves as Vice-chair of the American College of Gastroenterology Board of Governors, Chair of the Clinical Governance Board of GI Alliance South Texas, and is a Physician Executive Board Member for GI Alliance.

 

References

  1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. July 23, 2021. Accessed May 31, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf21/K211951.pdf.
  2. GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy module [instructions for use]. Mansfield, MA: Medtronic; v2.
  3. What is colorectal cancer? How Does Colorectal Cancer Start? June 20, 2020. Accessed May 31, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-colorectal-cancer.html.
  4. Cancer.Net. Colorectal Cancer: Statistics. January 2020. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/statistics. Accessed January 22, 2021.
  5. Wallace MB, Sharma P, Bhandari P, et al. Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Miss Rate of Colorectal Neoplasia. Gastroenterology. Published online March 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2022.03.007
  6. Corley, D. A., Jensen, C. D., Marks, A. R., Zhao, W. K., Lee, J. K., Doubeni, C. A., … & Levin, T. R. (2014). Adenoma detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(14), 1298–1306. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1309086