AI-assisted colonoscopy detects more polyps, but whether that reduces cancer rates is uncertain. The American Gastroenterological Association stops short of recommending AI, emphasizing the need for more research. AI in Colonoscopy The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new clinical guidelines on using artificial intelligence (AI) in colonoscopy. The guidelines do not take a stance for or against computer-aided detection (CADe) systems, as current evidence remains inconclusive. While AI-assisted technology has been shown to improve polyp detection, its effectiveness in reducing colorectal cancer cases, the third most common cancer worldwide, remains uncertain.
Author: Rutali Thakur
Being offered the chance to buy into a medical practice is a significant career milestone—but it’s essential to proceed with caution. This article discusses key areas physicians should review before accepting an offer, including corporate governance, partner rights, board representation, buy-in and buyout valuation methods, payment terms, and employment agreements.
Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine performed the first RAPID liver transplant in the U.S., successfully splitting a deceased donor’s liver to save two patients. One recipient, Barclay Missen, had stage IV colorectal cancer with liver metastases and remains cancer-free five months post-transplant. The procedure, inspired by European techniques, allows part of the donor liver to regenerate in the patient’s body before removing the diseased portion, offering a new lifeline for thousands facing liver metastases. Northwestern launched the CLEAR clinical trial to further study the approach, which could also reduce risks for living liver donors in the future.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Pratima Dibba joins Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk on MedCentral’s Not Quite Curbside: GI Consults podcast to discuss acid reflux and GERD, covering risk factors, alarm symptoms, endoscopy considerations, and treatment options like PPIs. They emphasize the role of lifestyle modifications, dietary triggers, and the importance of primary care in managing reflux before referring to a specialist. Dr. Dibba also clarifies long-term PPI safety, debunking myths and stressing a balanced approach to treatment.
Guardant Health announced that its Shield™ blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has received Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Test (ADLT) status from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), following its FDA approval in July 2024 as the first blood-based CRC screening test. This designation confirms the test’s innovative value and enables market-based Medicare pricing, with an initial reimbursement set at $1,495 starting April 1, 2025, for a nine-month period.
The 2025 Medscape Gastroenterologist Mental Health Report reveals that 51% of gastroenterologists report feeling burned out, with 22% experiencing clinical depression and 9% admitting to suicidal thoughts during their careers. The top causes of burnout include too many bureaucratic tasks (60%), long work hours, and lack of respect from administration and colleagues.
Max’s medical drama The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle as a senior E.R. physician, has won over real-life doctors and nurses for its unprecedented realism. Created by ER veteran R. Scott Gemmill and produced by John Wells, the show portrays an intense 15-hour hospital shift in real-time, emphasizing the challenges of modern emergency medicine. Medical professionals, including Dr. Graham Walker, Dr. Elizabeth Rempfer, and Dr. Tricia Pendergrast, have praised its accurate depiction of medical decisions, hospital bureaucracy, and the emotional toll of the job. While some dramatic liberties remain, The Pitt has struck a chord with healthcare workers, offering both validation…
The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (ACG, AGA, ASGE) has updated its recommendations for bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, setting a new benchmark of 90% adequacy for both endoscopists and endoscopy units. Since colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and assessing other colonic diseases, ensuring high-quality bowel preparation is essential for improving polyp detection rates and reducing CRC mortality.
Key Takeaways:
Key Findings from the “Closing the Gap: CRC Screening Insights” Survey