Colorectal Polyp Size Measurement Faces Infinite Possibilities: Artificial Intelligence Is the Key.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal neoplasia poses a severe health threat worldwide. The accurate measurement of polyp size is essential for risk stratification, selecting polypectomy techniques, and determining the surveillance interval.

Summary: The methods routinely used for measuring polyp size, including objective ex vivo measurement, subjective visual estimation by an endoscopist, and objective precise measurement using endoscopic instruments, all have limitations. Therefore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with endoscopy has been explored as a promising method for measuring the size of colorectal polyps. However, current AI systems are limited to endoscopic reference media or nonprospective real-time measurements. Consequently, AI-assisted endoscopy for precise, real-time automatic measurement of colorectal polyp size holds great promise for the future. Nevertheless, further extensive studies are necessary.

Key messages: This review focuses on summarizing the advancements in colorectal polyp size research and further explores the potential of AI-assisted measurements.