Accurate judgment and identification of polyp size is crucial in endoscopic diagnosis. However, the indistinct boundaries of polyps lead to missegmentation and missed cancer diagnoses. In this paper, a prompt-based polyp segmentation method (PPSM) is proposed to assist in early-stage cancer diagnosis during endoscopy. It combines endoscopists' experience and artificial intelligence technology. Firstly, a prompt-based polyp segmentation network (PPSN) is presented, which contains the prompt encoding module (PEM), the feature extraction encoding module (FEEM), and the mask decoding module (MDM). The PEM encodes prompts to guide the FEEM for feature extracting and the MDM for mask generating. So that PPSN can segment polyps efficiently. Secondly, endoscopists' ocular attention data (gazes) are used as prompts, which can enhance PPSN's accuracy for segmenting polyps and obtain prompt data effectively in real-world. To reinforce the PPSN's stability, non-uniform dot matrix prompts are generated to compensate for frame loss during the eye-tracking. Moreover, a data augmentation method based on the segment anything model (SAM) is introduced to enrich the prompt dataset and improve the PPSN's adaptability. Experiments demonstrate the PPSM's accuracy and real-time capability. The results from cross-training and cross-testing on four datasets show the PPSM's generalization. Based on the research results, a disposable electronic endoscope with the real-time auxiliary diagnosis function for early cancer and an image processor have been developed. Part of the code and the method for generating the prompts dataset are available at https://github.com/XinZhenRen/PPSM.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a significant global health challenge, being the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality with pronounced geographic variability. The incidence rates range from 125 per 100,000 in northern China to 1-1.5 per 100,000 in the United States, driven by environmental and lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, dietary habits, and pollution. Major modifiable risk factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, with a synergistic risk increase when combined. Nonmodifiable risk factors include previous diagnoses of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (H&N SCC), achalasia, and prior radiotherapy. Prevention strategies must be tailored to specific regional burdens to efficiently allocate medical and financial resources. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is crucial in reducing ESCC burden through early detection and characterization of neoplastic changes, such as high-grade dysplasia. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, while endoscopic resection of noninvasive dysplasia can prevent ESCC onset, reducing treatment burden for advanced disease. Postresection surveillance can detect high-risk metachronous lesions. Despite these benefits, endoscopic prevention faces challenges, including the lack of high-level evidence supporting its efficacy, opportunity costs, the need for specialized training and techniques, and the requirement for advanced technology investments. This Position Statement from the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) aims to address these challenges, supplying recommendations for the exploitation of endoscopic resources regarding the possible role of screening, quality, and training for the detection, characterization, resection, and surveillance of ESCC.

Accurate endoscopic characterization of colorectal lesions is essential for predicting histology but remains difficult. We studied the impact of a social network workgroup on level of characterization of colorectal lesions by gastroenterology residents.

We prospectively involved residents who characterized 25 and 40 colorectal lesions in two different questionnaires over 1 year. Three groups were considered: regulars who were already part of the workgroup before the first evaluation, newcomers who joined in during evaluation, and reluctant who did not. Participants rated each lesion according to the CONECCT classification (hyperplastic polyp [IH], sessile serrated lesion [IS], adenoma [IIA], high-risk adenoma or superficial adenocarcinoma [IIC], borderline invasive adenocarcinoma [IIC+], or deeply invasive adenocarcinoma [III]) and their progression score over 1 year was assessed. Correct histological status was defined by pathology reports or combined criteria between histology and expert opinion for high-risk adenoma or adenocarcinoma.

Of the 117 participants, 82.9% completed the two questionnaires, with 16.5% regulars, 71.1% newcomers, and 12.4% reluctant. For similar starting levels, progression in characterization was +2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-3; P <0.001) for newcomers and +2 (95% CI -0.5-4); P = 0.122) for reluctant. The regulars had a higher starting level with a +0.5 (95% CI -2 to 2; P = 0.691) progression score.

Gastroenterology resident 1-year use of a social network workgroup does not improve their skills in characterizing colorectal neoplasia. Further intensive training is needed to improve the characterization level of gastroenterology residents.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform cancer diagnosis, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

We performed an umbrella review to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence for the AI-based imaging diagnosis of cancers.

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and IEEE databases were searched for relevant systematic reviews from inception to June 19, 2024. Two independent investigators abstracted data and assessed the quality of evidence, using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. We further assessed the quality of evidence in each meta-analysis by applying the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Diagnostic performance data were synthesized narratively.

In a comprehensive analysis of 158 included studies evaluating the performance of AI algorithms in noninvasive imaging diagnosis across 8 major human system cancers, the accuracy of the classifiers for central nervous system cancers varied widely (ranging from 48% to 100%). Similarities were observed in the diagnostic performance for cancers of the head and neck, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, female-related systems, skin, and other sites. Most meta-analyses demonstrated positive summary performance. For instance, 9 reviews meta-analyzed sensitivity and specificity for esophageal cancer, showing ranges of 90%-95% and 80%-93.8%, respectively. In the case of breast cancer detection, 8 reviews calculated the pooled sensitivity and specificity within the ranges of 75.4%-92% and 83%-90.6%, respectively. Four meta-analyses reported the ranges of sensitivity and specificity in ovarian cancer, and both were 75%-94%. Notably, in lung cancer, the pooled specificity was relatively low, primarily distributed between 65% and 80%. Furthermore, 80.4% (127/158) of the included studies were of high quality according to the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, with the remaining studies classified as medium quality. The GRADE assessment indicated that the overall quality of the evidence was moderate to low.

Although AI shows great potential for achieving accelerated, accurate, and more objective diagnoses of multiple cancers, there are still hurdles to overcome before its implementation in clinical settings. The present findings highlight that a concerted effort from the research community, clinicians, and policymakers is required to overcome existing hurdles and translate this potential into improved patient outcomes and health care delivery.

PROSPERO CRD42022364278; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42022364278.

Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent malignancies globally and causes massive resource consumption and economic burden. Health economic evidence (HEE) has been used in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cancer to facilitate the rational allocation of health resources. However, in certain guideline development organizations, HEE is not yet utilized as a formal decision-making criterion. This study aimed to compare the discrepancies in the utilization of health economics as evidence in CRC CPGs across different countries and review specific features of economic evidence concerning the guidelines' applicability. Materials & methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including Medline, Embase, CNKI, WanFang, and other guidelines databases to identify CPGs for CRC published in English or Chinese from January 2017 to September 2023. Data on the incorporation and application of HEE were extracted, and the method and quality of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) studies were evaluated. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize the results. Results: Out of 53 CPGs from 14 countries, most originated from the USA (n = 17 of 53 [32%]) and Canada (n = 9 of 53 [17%]). Sixty-eight percent (36/53) considered cost justification, and 57% (30/53) incorporated health economics studies as evidence. The included HEE cited in CPGs ranged from 1990 to 2021 and were not aligned with the countries in which the guidelines were issued. Among these CEA studies, 52% (26/50) were related to screening strategies, and 32% (16/50) pertained to treatment measures. The Markov model was the most frequently used (n = 27 of 50 [54%]). Based on the CHEQUE tool, the methodological quality of these CEA studies was inadequate in areas such as multiple data sources, approaches to select data sources, assessing the quality of data, and relevant equity or distribution. Conclusion: In summary, 57% of guidelines incorporated health economics studies as evidence, with a variation between different countries. The included HEE still had deficiencies in methodology and reporting quality. In the future, it is suggested that health economics research should use a standardized methodology and reporting approach to assist in clinical decision making.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care has the potential to enhance diagnostics and disease management. In the field of gastroenterology, AI has shown promise in improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining clinical workflows. Despite its potential, many AI innovations remain in the research phase, with significant hurdles to overcome in the transition from laboratory research to practical clinical tools. The industry is positioned to be a key player in this transition by fostering tight collaboration with clinicians and researchers, advocating for the responsible application of AI, and committing to the extensive process of medical device development and market introduction.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), comprising Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with still-elusive etiopathogeneses and an increasing prevalence worldwide. Despite the growing availability of more advanced therapies in the last two decades, there are still a number of unmet needs. For example, the achievement of mucosal healing has been widely demonstrated as a prognostic marker for better outcomes and a reduced risk of dysplasia and cancer; however, the accuracy of endoscopy is crucial for both this aim and the precise and reproducible evaluation of endoscopic activity and the detection of dysplasia. Artificial intelligence (AI) has drastically altered the field of GI studies and is being extensively applied to medical imaging. The utilization of deep learning and pattern recognition can help the operator optimize image classification and lesion segmentation, detect early mucosal abnormalities, and eventually reveal and uncover novel biomarkers with biologic and prognostic value. The role of AI in endoscopy-and potentially also in histology and imaging in the context of IBD-is still at its initial stages but shows promising characteristics that could lead to a better understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of IBDs, with potential improvements in patient care and outcomes. The initial experience with AI in IBDs has shown its potential value in the differentiation of UC and CD when there is no ileal involvement, reducing the significant amount of time it takes to review videos of capsule endoscopy and improving the inter- and intra-observer variability in endoscopy reports and scoring. In addition, these initial experiences revealed the ability to predict the histologic score index and the presence of dysplasia. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarize recent advances regarding the application of AI in IBD endoscopy as there is, indeed, increasing evidence suggesting that the integration of AI-based clinical tools will play a crucial role in paving the road to precision medicine in IBDs.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET and [18F]FDG PET for detecting lymph node metastasis in digestive system cancer patients.

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant articles up to June 2024. Studies were included if they evaluated the diagnostic performance of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET and [18F]FDG PET in detecting lymph node metastasis in digestive system cancer patients. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird method and were transformed using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation.

Fifteen articles, encompassing a total of 617 patients, were included in this study. The overall sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET for diagnosing lymph node metastasis in digestive system cancers was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.93), and the specificity was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84-0.97). In comparison, the sensitivity of [18F]FDG PET was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38-0.63), with a specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.64-0.94). These results suggest that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET has a significantly higher sensitivity (P < 0.01) and similar specificity (P = 0.20) compared to [18F]FDG PET in detecting lymph node metastasis in digestive system cancers.

Our meta-analysis indicates that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET has higher sensitivity and similar specificity compared to [18F]FDG PET in diagnosing lymph node metastasis in digestive system cancers. However, the high heterogeneity among the studies may impact the robustness of the current evidence. Therefore, future research should prioritize larger prospective studies with more diverse populations and specific cancer subtypes to draw more definitive conclusions.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024572412, Unique Identifier: CRD42024572412.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the colon have a higher risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) allows identification and assessment of colonic dysplasia, which might displace dye-based chromoendoscopy (DCE) as the endoscopist's technique of choice for these patients within endoscopic surveillance programs.

to analyze the best evidence available on the usefulness of VCE versus DCE for dysplasia identification in patients with long-standing colonic IBD.

a qualitative, PRISMA 2020-based systematic review of the literature was carried out in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Scielo databases until June 2023. Clinical trials, case-control studies, comparative studies, and crossover studies in English or Spanish were included that directly compared DCE versus VCE for the screening of colonic dysplasia in patients with IBD. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy studies (QUADAS) 2 was used for assessing study quality. The selected studies were evaluated by 2 independent researchers, who entered their abstracted results into a database.

out of 141 identified studies 9 were selected that compared DCE with VCE (1131 patients included). Six studies are prospective, randomized, controlled trials; 2 are retrospective case-control studies; and 1 is a prospective comparative study. VCE showed a dysplasia detection ability similar to that of DCE, albeit with shorter examination times (8 studies; 985 patients). Factors associated with dysplasia identification included lesions in the right colon (3 studies; 581 patients); non-polypoid lesions (1 study; 210 patients) and/or lesions with Kudo's type III-V pit patterns (2 studies; 254 patients); and patient age (1 study; 129 patients).

VCE may be an alternative to DCE for CRC screening in patients with long-standing IBD, with similar detection ability for colonic dysplasia and the benefit of shorter procedure times. Currently available evidence is limited in this regard given the small numbers of patients in the relevant studies, hence further research is necessary with greater numbers of included subjects.

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involving the colon are at higher risk of developing colorectal dysplastic or neoplastic lesions. While from sporadic colorectal cancer follows an "adenoma-carcinoma" sequence, IBD colitis-associated carcinogenesis is mainly related to an "inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma" sequence. Currently, specific endoscopic surveillance strategies involving dye spray and virtual chromoendoscopy have been standardized, aiming for early CRC diagnosis. When detected, colitis-associated dysplasia should be classified according to standard classification, thus allowing for better treatment. Indeed, most IBD-associated dysplastic lesions can be treated with endoscopic resection, even though available procedures are usually more challenging than those in the general population. The higher frequency of severe submucosal fibrosis and the difficulty in the definition of lesions' margins account for this issue. Current endoscopic resection techniques include polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Recent evidence suggests the relevance of en bloc resection, as this may be associated with lower rates of recurrence. Therefore, particularly for larger (>20 mm) lesions, ESD should be preferred, even though it is considered the most difficult technique due to frequent severe submucosal fibrosis. Considering the growing number of new endoscopic resective techniques, including underwater EMR or ESD, which in the general population have been suggested to lower procedure-related risks and may also allow a larger spread of advanced endoscopic resection in IBD. However, additional data are needed to assess the medium- and long-term efficacy of endoscopic resection of visible dysplasia in IBD patients, which are burdened by a high risk of local and, more importantly, metachronous recurrence.

Recent studies have demonstrated that integrating AI into colonoscopy procedures significantly improves the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and reduces the adenoma miss rate (AMR). However, few studies address the critical issue of endoscopist-AI collaboration in real-world settings. Eye-tracking data collection is considered a promising approach to uncovering how endoscopists and AI interact and influence each other during colonoscopy procedures. A common limitation of existing studies is their reliance on retrospective video clips, which fail to capture the dynamic demands of real-time colonoscopy, where endoscopists must simultaneously navigate the colonoscope and identify lesions on the screen. To address this gap, we established a dataset to analyze changes in endoscopists' eye movements during the colonoscopy withdrawal phase. Eye-tracking data was collected from graduate students, nurses, senior endoscopists, and novice endoscopists while they reviewed retrospectively recorded colonoscopy withdrawal videos, both with and without computer-aided detection (CADe) assistance. Furthermore, 80 real-time video segments were prospectively collected during endoscopists' actual colonoscopy withdrawal procedures, comprising 43 segments with CADe assistance and 37 segments without assistance (normal control).

High-definition virtual chromoendoscopy, along with targeted biopsies, is recommended for dysplasia surveillance in ulcerative colitis patients at risk for colorectal cancer. Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems aim to improve colonic adenoma detection, however their efficacy in detecting polyps and adenomas in this context remains unclear. This study evaluates the CADe Discovery™ system's effectiveness in detecting colonic dysplasia in ulcerative colitis patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

A prospective cross-sectional, non-inferiority, diagnostic test comparison study was conducted on ulcerative colitis patients undergoing colorectal cancer surveillance colonoscopy between January 2021 and April 2021. Patients underwent virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) with iSCAN 1 and 3 with optical enhancement. One endoscopist, blinded to CADe Discovery™ system results, examined colon sections, while a second endoscopist concurrently reviewed CADe images. Suspicious areas detected by both techniques underwent resection. Proportions of dysplastic lesions and patients with dysplasia detected by VCE or CADe were calculated.

Fifty-two patients were included, and 48 lesions analyzed. VCE and CADe each detected 9 cases of dysplasia (21.4% and 20.0%, respectively; p=0.629) in 8 patients and 7 patients (15.4% vs. 13.5%, respectively; p=0.713). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for dysplasia detection using VCE or CADe were 90% and 90%, 13% and 5%, 21% and 2%, 83% and 67%, and 29.2% and 22.9%, respectively.

The CADe Discovery™ system shows similar diagnostic performance to VCE with iSCAN in detecting colonic dysplasia in ulcerative colitis patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

We assessed the diagnostic performance of the Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification (NICE) and the Japan NBI Expert Team classification (JNET) in predicting histological outcomes of advanced colorectal lesions. Additionally, we evaluated the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the JNET and NICE classifications individually for high-grade lesions (including HGD adenomas, intramucosal carcinomas, and T1 carcinomas). This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, involving 211 patients (130 men, mean age 60 years) who underwent colonoscopy with endoscopic resection of advanced colorectal neoplasia (lesions ≥ 10 mm). Lesions were classified using both NICE and JNET criteria, and final histopathological results were used for comparison. Of the 257 lesions analyzed, the NICE classification accurately classifies a large proportion of lesions (93.8%). In JNET classification we observed 77.4% correctly classified lesions. Specifically, the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the NICE classification for high-grade lesions were 100% and 24.4%, respectively. For the JNET classification, the sensitivity and PPV for high-grade lesions were 56.6% and 57.7%, respectively. The JNET classification, with a positive predictive value of 57.7% for high-grade colorectal lesions (including HGD adenomas, intramucosal carcinomas, and T1 carcinomas), should be used for decision-making regarding appropriate subsequent endoscopic therapy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Dysplasia is often found in flat, subtle mucosal abnormalities; therefore, early detection is essential. Innovative enhanced endoscopy imaging techniques are increasingly available for endoscopists managing IBD, allowing an in-depth, close to histology evaluation of mucosal pattern and vascular architecture. These new tools enable an earlier and more accurate detection and assessment of dysplasia, leading to improved patientoutcomes. This review provides an exhaustive overview of these techniques and their applicability in the clinical practice.

Recent therapeutic innovations in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have significantly improved patient outcomes, leading to increased life expectancy and reducing the necessity for total colectomy. However, this prolonged disease duration increases the cumulative risk for dysplasia and eventually colorectal cancer development. Therefore, timely detection and correct characterization of emerging dysplastic lesions is of great importance in longstanding IBD. This narrative review aims to elucidate the current state of advanced endoscopic imaging for dysplasia characterization in inflammatory bowel disease.

White light imaging (WLI) is the current standard colonoscopy technique for diagnosing colorectal polyps in Indonesia. Various endoscopic imaging techniques have been developed to improve the accuracy of diagnosing colorectal polyps, one of which is narrow band imaging (NBI). We conducted a diagnostic study comparing the performance of NBI against WLI in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps.

This was a diagnostic study that analyzes endoscopic pictures of colorectal polyps in patients who underwent colonoscopy using the WLI and NBI techniques. Previously collected biopsy tissue specimens were re-examined by a single pathologist.

There were 117 subjects analyzed, and the proportion of subjects with neoplastic polyps was 65.8%. Common indications for colonoscopy were hematochezia (24.8%) and abdominal pain (23.9%). WLI showed moderate inter-observer reliability (kappa value=0.591), while NBI showed significant reliability (kappa value=0.674). NBI demonstrated better sensitivity (84.4%; 95% CI 74.4%-91.7%) and accuracy (78.6%; 95% CI 70.1%-85.7%) compared with WLI (sensitivity 74%; 95% CI 62.8%-83.4% and accuracy 71.8%; 95% CI 62.7%-79.7%). However, the specificity was the same (67.5%; 95% CI 50.9%-81.4%).

NBI has better performance than WLI in distinguishing neoplastic and non-neoplastic colorectal polyps.

Water-assisted colonoscopy (WAC) application in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) endoscopy offers significant technical opportunities. Traditional gas-aided insufflation colonoscopy increases patient discomfort, presenting challenges in the frequent and detailed mucosal assessments required for IBD endoscopy. WAC techniques, including water immersion and exchange, provide superior patient comfort and enhanced endoscopic visualisation. WAC effectively reduces procedural pain, enhances bowel cleanliness, and increases adenoma detection rates, which is crucial for colorectal cancer screening and disease-related evaluations in IBD patients. Additionally, underwater techniques facilitate basic and advanced endoscopic resections, such as polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal and submucosal resections, often required for resecting IBD-associated neoplasia.

Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of colonic neoplasia, necessitating effective screening strategies. This network meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety between different endoscopic modalities in the high-definition (HD) era.

We searched CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, MEDLINE, and WHO for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endoscopic modalities for screening colonoscopy in patients with IBD up to February 2024. The primary outcome was detection of any dysplastic lesion per patient. The certainty of the evidence was GRADE-assessed.

A total of 26 RCTs involving 4159 participants were included, comparing 6 endoscopic modalities: HD white light endoscopy (HD-WLE), HD virtual chromoendoscopy (HD-VCE), HD dye-based chromoendoscopy (HD-DCE), HD-WLE with segmental re-inspection (SR), auto-fluorescence imaging (AFI), and full-spectrum endoscopy (FUSE). HD-DCE may have a small benefit in detecting dysplasia over HD-WLE (low certainty, small magnitude;: relative risk [RR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.98). FUSE may be no different to HD-WLE (low certainty: RR, 3.24; 95% CI, 0.66-15.87). The other modalities were assessed as very low certainty (HD-WLE with SR: RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.66-2.77; AFI: RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.55-2.57; HD-VCE: RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.69-1.43). Sensitivity analyses supported these findings. Limited data on serious adverse events precluded meta-analysis; 2 serious events were reported among 2164 patients (very low certainty).

HD-DCE is the only modality for IBD surveillance with evidence (low-certainty) demonstrating potential to detect more dysplastic lesions compared with HD-WLE. There was no evidence to support any of the other modalities as an alternative due to very low-certainty evidence.

Background and study aims Long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia. Both dye-based chromoendoscopy (DCE) and virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) increase detection of neoplastic lesions. In this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT), we compared the neoplasia detection rate between DCE and i-scan VCE in patients with long-standing UC. Patient and methods In four European hospitals, 131 patients with long-standing UC (disease duration > 8 years) were randomized to either DCE with methylene blue 0.1% (n = 66) or i-scan VCE (n = 65). All procedures were performed by trained endoscopists. Biopsies were taken from all visible lesions and the surrounding mucosa. Results The mean number of neoplastic lesions detected per colonoscopy was not significantly different between DCE (0.27) and i-scan VCE (0.37) ( P = 0.41). Similarly, there was no significant difference in neoplasia detection rate between DCE (19.7%) and VCE (27.7%) (odds ratio0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.28-1.50, P = 0.31). However, the per lesion neoplasia detection rate was significantly higher with i-scan VCE compared to DCE (27.6% vs 15.3%, P = 0.036). Both withdrawal and total procedure time were on average 10.0 and 9.9 minutes shorter using i-scan VCE (both P < 0.001). Conclusions This multicenter, prospective RCT showed no significant difference in neoplasia detection between DCE and i-scan VCE in long-standing UC. However, use of i-scan VCE was associated with a lower false-positive rate and a significantly shorter procedure time compared with DCE. I-scan VCE, therefore, could be a valid replacement for DCE in UC surveillance colonoscopies.

Background and study aims Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of colorectal cancer. There is no agreement on the best technique for surveillance for colorectal neoplasia. We aimed to assess whether chromoendoscopy and/or high-definition endoscopy is associated with increased detection of neoplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis undergoing surveillance compared with when they were not used. Patients and methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study designed to analyze differences in the detection of neoplasia (adenomatous and serrated) among patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and IBD who underwent annual surveillance between 2010 and 2020. Multilevel logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Results Ninety-one patients were identified, resulting in 359 colonoscopies with 360 person-years of follow up. Over the study period, 22 of 91 patients (24%) had at least one neoplastic lesion identified; however, the mean neoplastic lesion rate was 0.87 (54/63) for the primary sclerosing cholangitis-ulcerative colitis subgroup compared with 0.24 (4/17) for the primary sclerosing cholangitis-Crohn's disease subgroup. Chromoendoscopy was associated with a significantly higher detection rate for neoplasia (odds ratio [OR] 5.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08-14.9, P =0.001), and this association remained after adjusting for confounders, including high-definition endoscopy. High-definition endoscopes had a higher rate of neoplasia detection, but the significance was lost after adjustment for confounders, including chromoendoscopy (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.69-5.40, P =0.21). Conclusions Chromoendoscopy is associated with a higher detection rate for neoplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and IBD even with high-definition colonoscopes.

Screening colonoscopy and polypectomy are the cornerstone in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Despite the low incidence of colorectal cancer in India, there has been a rising trend in the incidence of colonic polyps and cancer over the last decade. It is, hence, imperative that we are well equipped in the management of colonic polyps. Adequate training in the detection and characterization of polyps to aid in their management is necessary. Detection of polyps can be increased by adhering to the standards of colonoscopy, including good bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, adequate withdrawal time and use of distal attachment devices. A detected polyp needs optimal characterization to predict histology in real time and decide on the management strategies. Characterization of the polyps requires high-definition-white light endoscopy and/or image-enhanced endoscopy (dye based or digital). Various factors that help in predicting histology include size, location and morphology of the polyp and the pit pattern, vascular and surface pattern of the polyp. Polyps can be differentiated as neoplastic or non-neoplastic with reasonable accuracy with the above features. Prediction of advanced pathology including high-grade dysplasia and deep sub-mucosal invasion is essential, as it helps in deciding if the lesion is amenable to endotherapy and the technique of endoscopic resection. Adequate training in image-enhanced endoscopy is necessary to assess advanced pathology in polyps. Technology pertaining to image-enhanced endoscopy includes narrow banding imaging and blue laser imaging; newer variations are being introduced every few years making it necessary to be abreast with growing information. The recent advances in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with the advent of endocytoscopy and artificial intelligence seem promising and are predicted to be the future of GI endoscopy.

The resect-and-discard strategy for colorectal polyps based on accurate optical diagnosis remains challenges. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for identifying colorectal polyp properties and diagnosis of colorectal cancer in fresh tissues during colonoscopy.

144,900 two dimensional images generated from 161 hyperspectral images of colorectal polyp tissues were prospectively obtained from patients undergoing colonoscopy. A residual neural network model was trained with transfer learning to automatically differentiate colorectal polyps, validated by histopathologic diagnosis. The diagnostic performances of the HSI-AI model and endoscopists were calculated respectively, and the auxiliary efficiency of the model was evaluated after a 2-week interval.

Quantitative HSI revealed histological differences in colorectal polyps. The HSI-AI model showed considerable efficacy in differentiating nonneoplastic polyps, non-advanced adenomas, and advanced neoplasia in vitro, with sensitivities of 96.0%, 94.0%, and 99.0% and specificities of 99.0%, 99.0%, and 96.5%, respectively. With the assistance of the model, the median negative predictive value of neoplastic polyps increased from 50.0% to 88.2% (p = 0.013) in novices.

This study demonstrated the feasibility of using HSI as a diagnostic tool to differentiate neoplastic colorectal polyps in vitro and the potential of AI-assisted diagnosis synchronized with colonoscopy. The tool may improve the diagnostic performance of novices and facilitate the application of resect-and-discard strategy to decrease the cost.

<b>Indroduction:</b> Colonoscopy is an acclaimed screening test to detect colorectal cancer (CRC). The most important quality indicators for colonoscopy are adenoma detection rate (ADR), cecal intubation rate (CIR), withdrawal time (WT), and bowel preparation (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale; BBPS). In modern endoscopy practice, the human eye is enhanced by highdefinition white-light visualization and advanced imaging technology. The main limitation of this procedure is the detection rate of suspicious lesions. The next generation of endoscopes with 4K resolution and computer-aided detection (CADe) based on artificial intelligence (AI) may be the next step to improve the quality of tests performed.<b>Aim:</b> The aim was to assess the effect of CADe implementation in the environment of the latest generation of endoscopes and 4K visualization in retrospective analysis.<b>Methods:</b> The study included 2,000 patients over 18 years old who underwent colonoscopy for various indications. Olympus Endo-Aid CADe AI system was used, together with the latest X1 series endoscope set using LED lighting and 4K ultra high-resolution technology. Group I consisted of 1,000 consecutive tests performed using Endo-Aid CADe, and group II the first 1,000 consecutive tests without the CADe system. ADR, Advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), polyp detection rate (PDR), and mean polyp per patient score (MPP) were assessed in each group<b>Results:</b> A total of 2,000 participants were included in the analysis, divided into two groups regarding CADe implementation. The overall PDR was similar in the analyzed groups (AI: 46.7% <i>vs.</i> non-AI: 44.9%, P = 0.419). Both ADR (29.7 <i>vs.</i> 28.9%, P = 0.694) and AADR (6.9 <i>vs.</i> 7.1%, P = 0.861) changed unremarkably. However, a significant elevation in MPP was noted. The MPP rose from 0.85 in the non-AI group to 1.26 in the AI group (P<0.001). The comparative analysis conducted separately for each segment of the bowel revealed that PDR remarkably increased in the left colon (29.3 <i>vs.</i> 18.0%, P<0.001), with no difference for other segments and other parameters. Investigating the MPP separately in each segment showed a significant difference for the right colon (0.33 <i>vs.</i> 0.23, P = 0.032) and the left colon (0.47 <i>vs.</i> 0.28, P<0.001). When adjusted to bowel preparation the PDR and MPP were constantly higher in the AI group (29.3 <i>vs.</i> 19.0%, P<0.001, and 0.48 <i>vs.</i> 0.30, P<0.001, respectively). In addition, the significant impact of AI implementation on MPP faded in the right colon (0.33 <i>vs.</i> 0.24, P = 0.051) when compared with the overall analysis.<b>Conclusions:</b> Although recently published evidence is optimistic regarding AI efficiency in improving the quality of colonoscopy, the provided results widen the overall perspective. Prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including procedures performed with newest generation scopes should elucidate the role of AI in high-resolution colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the highest mortality rate among men and is the second highest among women under fifty, with incidence and mortality rates rising in younger populations. Studies indicate that up to one-third of patients diagnosed before fifty have a family history or genetic factors, highlighting the need for earlier screening. Contrariwise, diagnosis in healthy subjects through screening strategies enables early-stage detection of the tumor and better clinical outcomes. In recent years, mortality rates of CRC in Western countries have been on a steady decline, which is largely attributed to widespread screening programs and advancements in treatment modalities. Indeed, early detection through screening significantly improves prognosis, with stark differences in survival rates between localized and metastatic disease. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature, delving into the performance and efficacy of various CRC screening strategies. It navigates through available screening tools, evaluating their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The discussion extends to delineating target populations for screening, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches for individuals at heightened risk.

Adenoma per colonoscopy (APC) has recently been proposed as a quality measure for colonoscopy. We evaluated the impact of a novel artificial intelligence (AI) system, compared with standard high-definition colonoscopy, for APC measurement.

This was a US-based, multicenter, prospective randomized trial examining a novel AI detection system (EW10-EC02) that enables a real-time colorectal polyp detection enabled with the colonoscope (CAD-EYE). Eligible average-risk subjects (45 years or older) undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy were randomized to undergo either CAD-EYE-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) or conventional colonoscopy (CC). Modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed for all patients who completed colonoscopy with the primary outcome of APC. Secondary outcomes included positive predictive value (total number of adenomas divided by total polyps removed) and adenoma detection rate.

In modified intention-to-treat analysis, of 1,031 subjects (age: 59.1 ± 9.8 years; 49.9% male), 510 underwent CAC vs 523 underwent CC with no significant differences in age, gender, ethnicity, or colonoscopy indication between the 2 groups. CAC led to a significantly higher APC compared with CC: 0.99 ± 1.6 vs 0.85 ± 1.5, P = 0.02, incidence rate ratio 1.17 (1.03-1.33, P = 0.02) with no significant difference in the withdrawal time: 11.28 ± 4.59 minutes vs 10.8 ± 4.81 minutes; P = 0.11 between the 2 groups. Difference in positive predictive value of a polyp being an adenoma among CAC and CC was less than 10% threshold established: 48.6% vs 54%, 95% CI -9.56% to -1.48%. There were no significant differences in adenoma detection rate (46.9% vs 42.8%), advanced adenoma (6.5% vs 6.3%), sessile serrated lesion detection rate (12.9% vs 10.1%), and polyp detection rate (63.9% vs 59.3%) between the 2 groups. There was a higher polyp per colonoscopy with CAC compared with CC: 1.68 ± 2.1 vs 1.33 ± 1.8 (incidence rate ratio 1.27; 1.15-1.4; P < 0.01).

Use of a novel AI detection system showed to a significantly higher number of adenomas per colonoscopy compared with conventional high-definition colonoscopy without any increase in colonoscopy withdrawal time, thus supporting the use of AI-assisted colonoscopy to improve colonoscopy quality ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04979962).

1:  ESGE recommends cold snare polypectomy (CSP), to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of diminutive polyps (≤ 5 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 2:  ESGE recommends against the use of cold biopsy forceps excision because of its high rate of incomplete resection.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 3:  ESGE recommends CSP, to include a clear margin of normal tissue (1-2 mm) surrounding the polyp, for the removal of small polyps (6-9 mm).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 4:  ESGE recommends hot snare polypectomy for the removal of nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps of 10-19 mm in size.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 5:  ESGE recommends conventional (diathermy-based) endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for large (≥ 20 mm) nonpedunculated adenomatous polyps (LNPCPs).Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 6:  ESGE suggests that underwater EMR can be considered an alternative to conventional hot EMR for the treatment of adenomatous LNPCPs.Weak recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 7:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may also be suggested as an alternative for removal of LNPCPs of ≥ 20 mm in selected cases and in high-volume centers.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8:  ESGE recommends that, after piecemeal EMR of LNPCPs by hot snare, the resection margins should be treated by thermal ablation using snare-tip soft coagulation to prevent adenoma recurrence.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 9:  ESGE recommends (piecemeal) cold snare polypectomy or cold EMR for SSLs of all sizes without suspected dysplasia.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence. 10:  ESGE recommends prophylactic endoscopic clip closure of the mucosal defect after EMR of LNPCPs in the right colon to reduce to reduce the risk of delayed bleeding.Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence. 11:  ESGE recommends that en bloc resection techniques, such as en bloc EMR, ESD, endoscopic intermuscular dissection, endoscopic full-thickness resection, or surgery should be the techniques of choice in cases with suspected superficial invasive carcinoma, which otherwise cannot be removed en bloc by standard polypectomy or EMR.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence.

Precision endoscopy in the management of colorectal polyps and early colorectal cancer has emerged as the standard of care. It includes optical characterization of polyps and estimation of submucosal invasion depth of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps to select the appropriate endoscopic resection modality. Over time, several imaging modalities have been implemented in endoscopic practice to improve optical performance. Among these, image-enhanced endoscopy systems and magnification endoscopy represent now well-established tools. New advanced technologies, such as endocytoscopy and confocal laser endomicroscopy, have recently shown promising results in predicting the histology of colorectal polyps. In recent years, artificial intelligence has continued to enhance endoscopic performance in the characterization of colorectal polyps, overcoming the limitations of other imaging modes. In this review we retrace the path of precision endoscopy, analyzing the yield of various endoscopic imaging techniques in personalizing management of colorectal polyps and early colorectal cancer.

The treatment of superficial rectal cancers (local excision, or proctectomy with total mesorectal excision (TME) remains controversial. Endoscopy and endorectal ultrasonography are essential for the precise initial definition of these small cancers. During endoscopy, the depth of the lesion can be estimated using virtual chromoendoscopy with magnification, thereby aiding the assessment of the possibilities of local excision. Current international recommendations indicate completion proctectomy after wide local excision for cases where the pathologic examination reveals poorly-differentiated lesions, lymphovascular invasion, grade 2 or 3 tumor budding, and incomplete resection. But debate persists regarding whether the depth of submucosal invasion can accurately predict the risk of lymph node spread. Recent data from the literature suggest that the depth of submucosal invasion should no longer, by itself, be an indication for additional oncological surgery. Adjuvant radio-chemotherapy could be an alternative to completion proctectomy in patients with pT1 rectal cancer and unfavorable histopathological criteria. A Dutch randomized controlled trial is underway to validate this strategy.

Gastrointestinal neoplasms are a growing global health concern, requiring prompt identification and treatment. Endoscopic procedures have revolutionized the detection and treatment of gastrointestinal tumors by providing accurate, minimally invasive methods. Early-stage malignancies can be treated with endoscopic excision, leading to improved outcomes and increased survival rates. Precancerous lesions, like adenomatous polyps, can be prevented by removing them, reducing cancer occurrence and death rates. Advanced techniques like chromoendoscopy, narrow-band imaging, and confocal laser endomicroscopy improve the ability to see the mucosa surface and diagnose conditions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in endoscopy can enhance diagnostic accuracy and predict histology outcomes. However, challenges remain in accurately defining lesions and ensuring precise diagnosis and treatment selection. Molecular imaging approaches and therapeutic modalities like photodynamic therapy and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided therapies hold potential but require further study and clinical confirmation. This study examines the future prospects and obstacles in endoscopic procedures for the timely identification and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. The focus is on developing technology, limits, and prospective effects on clinical practice.

The diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) in the endoscopic surveillance of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been disappointing in most trials which used the Kudo classification. We aim to compare the performance of NBI in the lesion characterization of UC, when applied according to three different classifications (NICE, Kudo, Kudo-IBD).

In a prospective, real-life study, all visible lesions found during consecutive surveillance colonoscopies with NBI (Exera-II CV-180) for UC were classified as suspected or non-suspected for neoplasia according to the NICE, Kudo and Kudo-IBD criteria. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive (+LR) and negative (-LR) likelihood ratios of the three classifications were calculated, using histology as the reference standard.

394 lesions (mean size 6 mm, range 2-40 mm) from 84 patients were analysed. Twenty-one neoplastic (5%), 49 hyperplastic (12%), and 324 inflammatory (82%) lesions were found. The diagnostic accuracy of the NICE, Kudo and Kudo-IBD classifications were, respectively: SE 76%-71%-86%; SP 55-69%-79% (p < 0.05 Kudo-IBD vs. both Kudo and NICE); +LR 1.69-2.34-4.15 (p < 0.05 Kudo-IBD vs. both Kudo and NICE); -LR 0.43-0.41-0.18.

The diagnostic accuracy of NBI in the differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in UC is low if used with conventional classifications of the general population, but it is significantly better with the modified Kudo classification specific for UC.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases risk of dysplasia and colorectal cancer. Advanced endoscopic techniques allow for the detection and characterization of IBD dysplastic lesions, but specialized training is not widely available. We aimed to develop and validate an online training platform to improve the detection and characterization of colonic lesions in IBD: OPtical diagnosis Training to Improve dysplasia Characterization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (OPTIC-IBD).

We designed a web-based learning module that includes surveillance principles, optical diagnostic methods, approach to characterization, and classifications of colonic lesions using still images and videos. We invited gastroenterologists from Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom with a wide range of experience. Participants reviewed 24 educational videos of IBD colonic lesions, predicted histology, and rated their confidence. The primary endpoint was to improve accuracy in detecting dysplastic lesions after training on the platform. Furthermore, participants were randomized 1:1 to get additional training or not, with a final assessment occurring after 60 days. Diagnostic performance for dysplasia and rater confidence were measured.

A total of 117 participants completed the study and were assessed for the primary endpoint. Diagnostic accuracy improved from 70.8% to 75.0% (P = .002) after training, with the greatest improvements seen in less experienced endoscopists. Improvements in both accuracy and confidence were sustained after 2 months of assessment, although the group randomized to receive additional training did not improve further. Similarly, participants' confidence in characterizing lesions significantly improved between before and after the course (P < .001), and it was sustained after 2 months of assessment.

The OPTIC-IBD training module demonstrated that an online platform could improve participants' accuracy and confidence in the optical diagnosis of dysplasia in patients with IBD. The training platform can be widely available and improve endoscopic care for people with IBD. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04924543.).

Detection and treatment of recurrence after piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection of nonpedunculated colorectal polyps are crucial for avoidance of post-colonoscopy cancer. Linked-color imaging (LCI) has demonstrated improved polyp detection but has never been assessed for evaluation of post-polypectomy scars. Our aim was to compare sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) between LCI and white-light endoscopy (WLE) for detection of post-polypectomy recurrence.

Patients undergoing surveillance colonoscopy after resection of lesions ≥15 mm were included in this prospective, single-center, randomized, crossover study. Each post-polypectomy scar underwent two examinations, one with LCI and the other with WLE, performed by two blinded endoscopists. Blue-light imaging (BLI) was then applied. A diagnosis of recurrence with a level of confidence was made for each modality and histopathology was the gold standard.

129 patients with 173 scars were included. Baseline patient, lesion, and procedural characteristics were similar in both arms. Recurrence was detected in 56/173 (32.4%), with 27/56 (48.2%) adenomas and 29/56 (51.8%) serrated lesions. LCI had greater sensitivity (96.4% [95%CI 87.8%-99.5%]) versus WLE (89.3% [95%CI 78.1%-95.9%]) and greater NPV (98.1% [95%CI 93.4%-99.8%] versus 94.6% [95%CI 88.7%-98.0%]). Paired concordance between modalities was 96.0%. In discordant cases, LCI identified four true-positive cases not detected by WLE and reclassified one false-positive of WLE. WLE reclassified two false positives of LCI without any increase in recurrence detection.

LCI was highly accurate and had greater ability than WLE to rule out recurrence on post-polypectomy scars after resection of large polyps.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)is an extremely common gastrointestinal disorder that can give rise to dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC). There are various diagnostic methods but endoscopy has proved to be the best in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of IBD. The objective of this review is to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopy in detecting patients with IBD. A structured search strategy on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was used, as well as formal inclusion or exclusion, data extraction, validity assessment, and meta-analysis. RevMan 5.4 (Review Manager (RevMan) (Computer program). Version 5.4. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was used for the meta-analysis, and forest plots were generated for each outcome separately. All of these studies are prospective cohorts and 11 of these are randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In IBD, both chromoendoscopy and white light endoscopy are useful in detecting dysplasia and neoplastic lesions. Furthermore, narrow-band imaging is a less time-consuming option for endoscopic surveillance. The meta-analysis also showed that chromoendoscopy is superior to other methods.

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern, and large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps pose a substantial risk for malignancy and incomplete resection, which may lead to interval cancer. The choice of resection technique is influenced by various factors, including polyp size, morphology, location, submucosal invasion depth and endoscopist expertise. For non-cancerous superficial large non-pedunculated polyps, conventional hot or cold snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection are common techniques for non-surgical therapeutic endoscopic resection of these polyps. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of literature on current endoscopic resection techniques for large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps, emphasising indications, advantages, limitations and outcomes.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing intestinal disease. Elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms of IBD requires high-throughput technologies (HTTs) to effectively obtain and analyze large amounts of data. Recently, HTTs have been widely used in IBD, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, microbiomics, metabolomics and single-cell sequencing. When combined with endoscopy, the application of these technologies can provide an in-depth understanding on the alterations of intestinal microbe diversity and abundance, the abnormalities of signaling pathway-mediated immune responses and functionality, and the evaluation of therapeutic effects, improving the accuracy of early diagnosis and treatment of IBD. This review comprehensively summarizes the development and advancement of HTTs, and also highlights the challenges and future directions of these technologies in IBD research. Although HTTs have made striking breakthrough in IBD, more standardized methods and large-scale dataset processing are still needed to achieve the goal of personalized medicine.