Evaluation of computer aided detection during colonoscopy among Veterans: Randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND There has been significant interest in use of computer aided detection (CADe) devices in colonoscopy to improve polyp detection and reduce miss rate. AIM To investigate the use of CADe amongst veterans. METHODS Between September 2020 and December 2021, we performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of CADe. Patients at Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System presenting for screening or low-risk surveillance were randomized to colonoscopy performed with or without CADe. Primary outcomes of interest included adenoma detection rate (ADR), adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), and adenomas per extraction. In addition, we measured serrated polyps per colonoscopy, non-adenomatous, non-serrated polyps per colonoscopy, serrated polyp detection rate, and procedural time. RESULTS A total of 244 patients were enrolled (124 with CADe), with similar patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, indication) between the two groups. Use of CADe was found to have decreased number of adenomas (1.79 vs 2.53, P = 0.030) per colonoscopy compared to without CADe. There was no significant difference in number of serrated polyps or non-adenomatous non-serrated polyps per colonoscopy between the two groups. Overall, use of CADe was found to have lower ADR (68.5 vs 80.0%, P = 0.041) compared to without use of CADe. Serrated polyp detection rate was lower with CADe (3.2 vs 7.5%) compared to without CADe, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.137). There was no significant difference in withdrawal and procedure times between the two groups or in detection of adenomas per extraction (71.4 vs 73.1%, P = 0.613). No adverse events were identified. CONCLUSION While several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated improved ADR and APC with use of CADe, in this RCT performed at a center with high ADR, use of CADe was found to have decreased APC and ADR. Further studies are needed to understand the true impact of CADe on performance quality among endoscopists as well as determine criteria for endoscopists to consider when choosing to adopt CADe in their practices.