Bowel and gut · Diagnosis and imaging
AI during colonoscopy, and the 'deskilling' question
AI that highlights possible polyps during colonoscopy has been authorised in the US since 2021. But a 2025 Polish study found doctors who got used to AI spotted fewer precancerous growths when working without it. AI help is real; so is the risk of leaning on it.
How far away is this?
The tool itself is authorised and in use (US). The deskilling finding is early, observational evidence, and we flag it separately rather than lowering the tool's rating.
Where is it approved?
| Region | Regulator | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | FDA | FDA De Novo request granted for GI Genius, 9 April 2021. | |
| European Union | CE mark / EMA | CE marked | Medtronic states GI Genius received a CE mark in 2019; next-generation ColonPRO software CE marked in February 2026.[6] |
| United Kingdom | MHRA | Unknown | |
| Australia | TGA | Unknown |
AI polyp-detection systems are sold in several countries. For one system (GI Genius) we’ve verified the US authorisation and EU CE mark; UK and Australia are Unknown. "Unknown" means we haven't verified it, not that it's unavailable. Approval in one country isn't approval in another.
What is it?
During a colonoscopy, the AI watches the video feed and draws a box around anything that might be a polyp, so the doctor takes a closer look.
What's the evidence?
The FDA granted a De Novo request for GI Genius, a gastrointestinal lesion detection software system, on 9 April 2021.[1]
Evidence stage: Approved & in use · #c1
In a retrospective observational study at four Polish centres, the adenoma detection rate in colonoscopies done without AI fell from 28.4% before AI was introduced to 22.4% after (an absolute drop of 6 percentage points).[2]
Evidence stage: Early research · #c2
The study covered 1,443 non-AI colonoscopies by 19 experienced endoscopists in one country. Because it's observational, it can't prove AI caused the drop. The adenoma detection rate is a stand-in (surrogate) measure linked to the risk of cancers found between colonoscopies, not a direct measure of cancers or deaths.[3]
Evidence stage: Early research · #c3
For balance: a 2021 meta-analysis of five randomised trials (4,354 patients) found that when AI was switched on, the adenoma detection rate was higher (36.6% vs 25.2%).[5]
Evidence stage: In clinical trials · #c4
What does it mean for me?
Colonoscopy remains an important test. If you're having one, it's reasonable to ask whether AI is used. The deskilling question is mainly one for hospitals and training, not a reason to avoid a test you've been advised to have.
What could I ask my doctor?
- Is AI polyp detection used during colonoscopy here?
- What is this service's adenoma detection rate?
- What happens if a polyp is found?
These are general starting points, not a recommendation to choose any particular test or treatment.
If you're worried about your health right now, contact your doctor or local health advice line. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.
Change history
- : First published.
- : Regulator status checked against official records; see Where is it approved?
- : Updated after independent fact-check and clinical review
- : Review label corrected: this page was not clinically reviewed. Earlier labels saying 'independent fact-check' and 'clinical review' were wrong; checks so far were AI-assisted source checks only.
General information only, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your situation. AI-assisted source check. Not clinically reviewed.
References
- FDA De Novo DEN200055 (GI Genius). accessdata.fda.gov. Regulator. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/denovo.cfm?id=DEN200055
- Budzyń et al., Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2025). thelancet.com (2025). Peer-reviewed observational study. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(25)00133-5/fulltext
- American College of Gastroenterology summary. gi.org. Professional body summary. https://gi.org/journals-publications/ebgi/zhou_sep2025/
- EurekAlert! press release. eurekalert.org. Press release (claim). https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094223
- Hassan et al., Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2021): meta-analysis of randomised trials. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (2021). Peer-reviewed meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32598963/
- CE mark / EMA record or statement: European Union. news.medtronic.com. Regulatory or manufacturer record. https://news.medtronic.com/Medtronic-announces-CE-Mark-for-the-next-generation-GI-Genius-TM-module-and-ColonPRO-TM-software
Publisher shown as the website hosting each source. Dates are given where the source label includes them.