Status quo and future prospects of artificial neural network from the perspective of gastroenterologists

Abstract

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are one of the primary types of artificial intelligence and have been rapidly developed and used in many fields. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in research concerning ANNs in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. This state-of-the-art technique exhibits excellent performance in diagnosis, prognostic prediction, and treatment. Competitions between ANNs and GI experts suggest that efficiency and accuracy might be compatible in virtue of technique advancements. However, the shortcomings of ANNs are not negligible and may induce alterations in many aspects of medical practice. In this review, we introduce basic knowledge about ANNs and summarize the current achievements of ANNs in GI diseases from the perspective of gastroenterologists. Existing limitations and future directions are also proposed to optimize ANN’s clinical potential. In consideration of barriers to interdisciplinary knowledge, sophisticated concepts are discussed using plain words and metaphors to make this review more easily understood by medical practitioners and the general public.

Keywords: Artificial neural network; Gastrointestinal disease; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prognosis; Endoscopy

Core Tip: This review summarizes the current achievements and existing limitations of artificial neural networks (ANNs) used in gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The future directions of ANNs are also discussed to provide references for promoting its clinical value. To make this review readable, we introduce the basic knowledge of ANN and illustrate the contents from the perspective of gastroenterologists. ANN is believed to play a critical role in clinical practice of GI diseases.