The conundrum of quality in colonoscopy

Artificial intelligence-based assessments of colonoscopic withdrawal technique: a new method for measuring and enhancing the quality of fold examination

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for measuring fold examination quality (FEQ) of colonoscopic withdrawal technique. We also examined the relationship between the system's evaluation of FEQ and FEQ scores from experts, and adenoma detection rate (ADR) and withdrawal time of colonoscopists, and evaluated the system's ability to improve FEQ during colonoscopy.

METHODS

First, we developed an AI-based system for measuring FEQ. Next, 103 consecutive colonoscopies performed by 11 colonoscopists were collected for evaluation. Three experts graded FEQ of each colonoscopy, after which the recorded colonoscopies were evaluated by the system. We further assessed the system by correlating its evaluation of FEQ against expert scoring, historical ADR, and withdrawal time of each colonoscopist. We also conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the system's performance in enhancing fold examination.

RESULTS

The system's evaluations of FEQ of each endoscopist were significantly correlated with experts' scores (r = 0.871, P < 0.001), historical ADR (r = 0.852, P = 0.001), and withdrawal time (r = 0.727, P = 0.01). For colonoscopies performed by colonoscopists with previously low ADRs (< 25 %), AI assistance significantly improved the FEQ, evaluated by both the AI system (0.29 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.27-0.30] vs. 0.23 [0.17-0.26]) and experts (14.00 [14.00-15.00] vs. 11.67 [10.00-13.33]) (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The system's evaluation of FEQ was strongly correlated with FEQ scores from experts, historical ADR, and withdrawal time of each colonoscopist. The system has the potential to enhance FEQ.

The Benefits of Colorectal Surgery Surveys in Australia and New Zealand

PURPOSE

Pertaining to the Colorectal Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) Executive and Research Support Committee, this study aimed to assess the usefulness and outcomes of surveys sent out by the society to its members.

METHODS

From 2009 to 2017, CSSANZ members received 38 surveys, most of which were distributed from within the society, and a few of which originated from other affiliated groups. Surveys were categorised by type, topics, times required for completion, delivery method, response rates, and advancement to publication.

RESULTS

Of 38 surveys, 20 (53%) were published and 18 remain unpublished. Four surveys were distributed annually on average, with 2.2 published annually on average, with a mean impact factor of 2.41 ± 1.55. Mean time to publication was 31 ± 17 months. Surveys contributed to 13 publications (34%). The most common survey topics were rectal cancer decisionmaking, in 6 publications (16%), preoperative assessment of colorectal patients, in 5 publications (13%), and anal physiology: continence and defaecation, in 4 publications (11%). Publication of surveys was not related to the number of surveys distributed per year, the number of questions per survey, or the time required by respondents to complete the surveys.

CONCLUSION

Most of the CSSANZ-distributed surveys resulted in publications, and one third of the surveys contributed to higher degrees obtained by investigators. These surveys aid research into areas that are otherwise difficult to assess, often indicating areas for future research.