AI Boosts Colonoscopy Quality and Efficiency at VA Hospitals

Published Date : 24/10/2025 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical procedures, and the Charles George VA Medical Center is leading the way by integrating AI into colonoscopies. This technology not only improves the detection rate of adenomas but also enhances the overall quality of care for veterans. 

We hear the term artificial intelligence (AI) thrown around a lot these days, but just a few years ago, hardly anyone had heard of it. Of those who had, there was often skepticism—when people talked about how advanced it had become and how much it was going to change everything.

Today, it’s more common, and we’re starting to see it “pop-up” everywhere; from simple chat prompts that help teenagers complete school assignments to advanced uses in the military and medical fields. It’s not just accepted, it’s often expected.

AI actually isn’t new to Charles George VA Medical Center though. They’ve been using AI to assist with colonoscopies for years. When Gastroenterologist Douglas Boyce learned about the advantages AI technology might bring, he requested its integration locally.

“I think the push was to see if it had an impact on quality of procedures and quality of outcomes for patients,” said Boyce. “I think that’s really what it comes down to—can you prevent cancer; can you provide good care for patients? So, to me, I think the VA was a little ahead of the curve in getting it implemented.”

Boyce says AI gives Veterans the opportunity to get a better, more efficient exam that keeps their colon cancer risk lower than if AI isn’t used during the procedure. One of the most important metrics for a colonoscopy is the adenoma detection rate. An adenoma is a type of benign growth that can become cancerous. According to Boyce, the national standard for adenoma detection is about 25%. AI allows doctors to improve this detection rate, and every 1% increase in detection decreases cancer rates for the patient by 3%.

“It can get these very small changes in the mucosa that you may not recognize as a provider if you haven’t done it a hundred times,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Dr. Douglas Huntley.

“AI is very precise, it learns, and in learning, it equalizes the playing field for all of us,” said Huntley. “It’s vital that we do anything that we can to reduce the morbidity and mortality for our Veterans. If there is a technology that is safe, and that we find is valuable for the care of the patients, we are going to use it.”

According to Boyce, age is the No. 1 risk factor for colon cancer, which is the third-leading type of cancer in the United States. Even if you feel completely healthy, guidelines say people ages 45 through 49 should get their first colonoscopy screening, especially if colon cancer runs in your family.

“I had no symptoms, that’s the biggest question that people ask me is what symptoms did you have, I didn’t have any symptoms,” said Air Force Veteran Dawn Yllescas. “It was a routine colonoscopy. It was a fact that I was of age to need a colonoscopy. I came in, got my colonoscopy, and got woke up and informed by the doctor that I had colon cancer.”

“It’s a lot. Emotionally, it takes a toll on you. But I’m not where I used to be—I’m alive, and I can help educate other people on the necessity of being checked,” said Yllescas, a cancer survivor. “It’s extremely important to educate people and let them know it’s OK to go. Yeah, it’s embarrassing to have a colonoscopy, but it’s extremely important. You have to take care of you.”

“If you are a patient and say, hey, I need to get a colonoscopy… things you might inquire about is, do they use artificial intelligence?” said Boyce. “It sounds a little techy, but it’s an important question because it’s going to make for a more efficient exam.”

“It was outstanding care. It was beyond outstanding—they saved my life. The VA saved my life,” said Yllescas.

Yllescas said it was the whole team that really made the difference—from gastroenterology to primary care, oncology, the dietitian, Whole Health, and many others. At VA, they are all working together on the same team to provide unparalleled continuity of care.

So, for Veterans, they just need to know that when they reach the age where they need to be checked, the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System is ready. They’re getting one of the best exams possible—and if something does come up, a whole team is ready to support whatever their care needs may be. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the primary benefit of using AI in colonoscopies?

A: The primary benefit of using AI in colonoscopies is the improved detection rate of adenomas, which can become cancerous. This leads to better prevention and early treatment of colon cancer.

Q: How does AI assist during a colonoscopy?

A: AI helps by detecting small changes in the colon's mucosa that may not be visible to the human eye, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the procedure.

Q: What is the national standard for adenoma detection rate in colonoscopies?

A: The national standard for adenoma detection rate in colonoscopies is about 25%.

Q: How does AI impact the detection rate of adenomas?

A: AI can improve the adenoma detection rate, and every 1% increase in detection rate decreases cancer rates for the patient by 3%.

Q: What is the recommended age for the first colonoscopy screening?

A: The recommended age for the first colonoscopy screening is 45 years, especially if colon cancer runs in your family. 

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