Artificial intelligence in gastroenterology: where are we and where are we going?

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing in gastroenterology, most notably in the area of endoscopy, but also more widely throughout the speciality. This article reviews what AI is, how it works and some of the key advances it is bringing. AI can already improve patient triage so that resources can be better targeted at sick patients. In endoscopy, AI can improve the detection of polyps during colonoscopy and the accuracy of diagnosis, while in Barrett's oesophagus, it can improve the detection of pre-cancerous dysplasia so that all endoscopists can emulate the performance of world-class experts. Systems are being developed to automate the assessment of bowel preparation quality and report writing. The power of novel generative AI such as ChatGPT could drive major improvements in communication between busy clinicians and patients. Healthcare professionals need to ensure they understand how to manage the ‘black-box’ that is AI.