Performance of Computer-Aided Detection and Quality of Bowel Preparation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Colonoscopy Outcomes

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for detecting and characterising colorectal polyps during colonoscopy, offering potential enhancements in traditional colonoscopy procedures to improve outcomes in patients with inadequate bowel preparation. Aims This study aimed to assess the impact of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool on Computer-Aided Detection (CADe) assistance during colonoscopy in this population. Methods This case-control study utilized propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, race, and colonoscopy indication to analyze a database of patients who underwent colonoscopy at a single tertiary referral center between 2017 and 2023. Patients were excluded if the procedure was incomplete or aborted owing to poor preparation. The patients were categorized based on the use of AI during colonoscopy. Data on patient demographics and colonoscopy performance metrics were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare the groups. Results After PSM patients with adequately prepped colonoscopies (n = 1466), the likelihood of detecting hyperplastic polyps (OR = 2.0, 95%CI:1.7–2.5, p < 0.001), adenomas (OR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.19–1.81, p < 0.001), and sessile serrated polyps (OR = 1.90, 95%CI:1.20–3.03, p = 0.007) significantly increased with the inclusion of CADe. In inadequately prepped patients (n = 160), CADe exhibited a more pronounced impact on the polyp detection rate (OR = 4.34, 95%CI:1.6–6.16, p = 0.049) and adenomas (OR = 2.9, 95%CI:2.20–8.57, p < 0.001), with a marginal increase in withdrawal and procedure times. Conclusions This study highlights the significant improvement in detecting diminutive polyps (< 5 mm) and sessile polyps using CADe, though notably, this benefit was only seen in patients with adequate bowel preparation. In conclusion, the integration of AI in colonoscopy, driven by artificial intelligence, promises to significantly enhance lesion detection and diagnosis, revolutionize the procedure's effectiveness, and improve patient outcomes.