Text Message System for the Prediction of Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation Adequacy Before Colonoscopy: An Artificial Intelligence Image Classification Algorithm Based on Images of Stool Output

Background and Aims

Inadequate bowel preparation which occurs in 25% of colonoscopies is a major barrier to the effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer. We aim to develop an artificial intelligence (machine learning) algorithm to assess photos of stool output after bowel preparation to predict inadequate bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Methods

Patients were asked to text a photo of their stool in the commode when they believed that they neared completion of their colonoscopy bowel preparation. Boston Bowel Preparation Scores of 7 and below were labeled as inadequate or fair. Boston Bowel Preparation Scores of 8 and 9 were considered good. A binary classification image-based machine learning algorithm was designed.

Results

In a test set of 61 images, the binary classification machine learning algorithm was able to distinguish inadequate/fair preparation from good preparation with a positive predictive value of 78.6% and a negative predictive value of 60.8%. In a test set of 56 images, the algorithm was able to distinguish normal colonoscopy duration (<25 minutes) from long colonoscopy duration (>25 minutes) with a positive predictive value of 78.6% and a negative predictive value of 65.5%.

Conclusion

Patients are willing to submit photos of their stool output during bowel preparation through text messages before colonoscopy. This machine learning algorithm demonstrates the ability to predict inadequate/fair preparation from good preparation based on image classification of stool output. It was less accurate to predict long duration of colonoscopy.