Austin Gastroenterology is taking a notable step forward in the detection of colon health issues by implementing AI-assisted colonoscopies. This new procedure is designed to aid specialists in identifying growths in the colon, all while ensuring that patients experience no physical changes during their colonoscopy.
According to a recent news release, traditional colonoscopy involves the insertion of a thin, flexible camera into the colon to scan for growths or polyps. Now, with the addition of AI technology, the process has an innovative enhancement. Dr. Sanjana Luther, a board-certified gastroenterologist at the practice, explained how the AI assists in this process.
“It’s kind of like an added layer, an extra set of eyes, to essentially help us detect polyps—specifically those that might be a little bit harder to detect,” Luther noted.
The AI technology, named the Medtronic GI Genius module, was introduced at Austin Gastroenterology’s facilities in early April and is now available across all four of the practice’s Austin Endoscopy Center locations: North Austin, South Austin, Bee Cave, and Leander.
A significant measure of colonoscopy quality is the adenoma detection rate (ADR), which indicates how effectively polyps are identified during the procedure. Prior to the introduction of the AI technology, Austin Gastroenterology reported an average ADR of 61.2% for men and 47.5% for women in 2024. The practice aims to enhance these statistics with the integration of the new GI Genius module.
“We’re obviously analyzing our data a little bit more now to see how our rates are improving,” Luther stated. “But before we bought all the equipment, we tried it on a trial period and it actually showed that the rates were improving during that time.”
Research, including studies published in the journal Gastroenterology by the American Gastroenterological Association, has indicated that the implementation of the AI module can lead to a reduction in the adenoma miss rate by an impressive 45.8%.
Given the rising cases of colon cancer, Dr. Luther emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, especially for those at higher risk. “The rates of [colon cancer] are rising so that’s why we stress colon cancer screening. Screening typically begins at age 45,” she advised. “If you have certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or a family history, then you might need earlier screening for this.”
In addition to regular screenings, there are also several lifestyle choices individuals can make to reduce their risk of colon cancer. Luther mentioned that staying active, reducing red meat consumption, avoiding smoking and drinking, and increasing fiber intake are effective strategies.
Experts like Elizabeth Klingbeil, an assistant professor in UT Austin’s Department of Nutritional Sciences, echo the sentiment regarding fiber intake, highlighting its critical role in colon health.
Klingbeil elaborated on the ways fiber contributes to improved colon health. Firstly, it helps bulk up stool, ensuring efficient movement through the intestinal tract. Secondly, it serves as nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Lastly, fiber can bind to cholesterol in the form of bile and facilitate its removal from the body.
“[Fiber] helps keep and lower our cholesterol,” she explained. “It’s one of the reasons you see, like on Cheerios, that it can help lower cholesterol. It’s because Cheerios has some fiber in it that can bind up those bits.”
Klingbeil emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Ideally, individuals should aim to obtain vitamins and minerals from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than relying on supplements. She cautioned against relying solely on powdered vegetable supplements, noting that they often lack crucial components found in whole foods.
“Any powdered vegetable supplement that’s really been on the market lately, they’re quite big,” Klingbeil remarked. “And yes, you’re getting some of the minerals and the vitamins, but you’re missing a lot of the other components. And when we see people take a powder supplement versus actually eating those vegetables in their diet, they don’t get as much health benefit from it.”
In addition to dietary habits, Klingbeil suggested that mental health may also influence gut health. Reducing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and staying physically active can contribute positively to overall gut health.
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