Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming gastroenterology by offering the potential to significantly enhance patient care. For hospitals management and society, this patient benefit needs to be associated with broadened healthcare access-irrespective of patients' economic or geographical barriers- and improvement of the cost-effectiveness of existing healthcare systems and ultimately reducing overall healthcare cost and burdens. The gastrointestinal field is at the forefront of this revolution, with emerging evidence supported by high-quality randomized trials, particularly in modalities such as colonoscopy and endoscopy, which are pivotal for cancer detection and prevention.
Despite these promising advances, substantial challenges remain that hinder the translation of innovative ideas into clinical practice. Key obstacles include the lack of a rapid and adaptable regulatory framework and legal flexibility necessary to keep pace with technological progress. Moreover, there is a growing concern regarding potential drawbacks of AI, such as the risk of deskilling physicians-a phenomenon which has been observed with automated piloting in aviation.
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI in gastroenterology, offering insights from a gastroenterologist's perspective and addressing both the transformative opportunities and the critical roadblocks that must be navigated for successful implementation.
