Digestive endoscopy: how AI detects lesions impossible to see with the naked eye

A revolution is underway in every area of society, and healthcare is no exception. Always a breeding ground for innovation, medicine is now at the centre of a technological transformation that is redefining its tools and methods.

The tumultuous evolution of technologies based on artificial intelligence requires specialists to keep abreast of the state of the art, but also not to lose sight of the other pillar of medicine, the human relationship. This is why Aigo (Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Digestive Endoscopists) is organising a national course in Bologna entitled 'Gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy, between natural and artificial intelligence'.

On the research front, AI is already a valuable ally. It allows scientific texts to be written in precise language, targeted bibliographic sources to be selected quickly, and the linguistic correctness of scientific English to be reviewed in real time. But the real potential lies in the processing of huge anonymous databases on the outcomes of examinations and therapies, which enable large-scale comparative analyses. Reanalysing data means better understanding of the effectiveness of treatments, improving the quality of care and increasing the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

At the same time, it will be essential to strengthen the capacity to recognise AI-generated errors and to detect possible distortions or falsifications of data, a new front for scientific and professional responsibility.

In chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative rectocolitis and Crohn's disease, artificial intelligence tools make it possible to define the patient's individual profile, leading to more effective personalised therapies.