PULLMAN, WA–Members of the Pullman Regional Hospital medical team and a WSU medical student were recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology for a study assessing the impact of using computer-aided detection during colonoscopies to identify polyps or pre-cancerous tissue.
The study, titled “A Retrospective Study Examining the Impact of Computer-Aided Detection on Adenoma Detection Rate Amongst Non-Gastroenterology Endoscopists in a Rural Medical Center,” was authored by Dr. Pierce Claassen, Internal Medicine Resident at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and alumni of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine; Dustene Johnston, a Registered Nurse and Director of Pullman Regional Hospital’s Same-Day Services Department; Dr. Benjamin Adkins, Family Medicine Physician at Pullman Family Medicine; Dr. Nancy Panko, General Surgeon and Medical Director of Pullman Surgical Associates and Dr. John Visger, General Surgeon with Pullman Surgical Associates.
Over the period of three years, the team compared detection rates of adenomas with and without computer aided detection software, called GI Genius™, during colonoscopies and concluded there was an increase in detection of about 5% when using the technology.
“Five percent increase is very meaningful, because the New England Journal of Medicine found that for every 1% increase in adenoma detection rates, there is a 5% decrease in the risk of fatal colorectal cancer,” said Johnston. “Catching colon cancer at its early stage saves lives and this is saving lives in our community.”
“This study was the first of its kind in that our team evaluated the effect of computer-aided technology in a practice where the majority of colonoscopies are done by non-gastroenterologist physicians. This technology complemented the skills of the doctors and improved the rate at which they detected polyps,” said Dr. Claassen.
“Our adenoma detection rate already exceeded industry standards,” said Johnston. “The use of the GI Genius technology is helping us elevate.”
GI Genius™, is powered by artificial intelligence to detect tumors. Pullman Regional has two systems that were fully funded through a grant.
Colonoscopies are performed as a routine test to screen for colon cancer and take place in a sterile operating room or endoscopy suite. Screening tests are covered by most insurances. Current guidelines recommend a first colonoscopy at age 45 for people with average risk for colorectal cancer and subsequent tests every 10 years, if no tumors are found and no prior family history of colon cancer exists.
About 3,000 colonoscopies are performed at Pullman Regional Hospital every year by trained physicians, surgeons and a gastroenterologist.
“It takes a team of nurses, CNAs, nurse anesthetists and physicians to provide endoscopy services at Pullman Regional Hospital. The GI Genius is another team member. We would not have been able to successfully implement the GI Genius without the hard work of the entire endoscopy team, who recognize the value the tool can play in our patients’ lives” said Johnston.
Media Contact:
Alison Weigley, Director of External Relations
Pullman Regional Hospital
Office: (509) 332-2041 / Cell: (509) 330-0242
alison.weigley@pullmanregional.org