Mehta Y, Mehta S, Bhayani V, Parikh S, Mehta R. Gastroenterology in the age of artificial intelligence: Bridging technology and clinical practice. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(36): 110549 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i36.110549]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Rajiv Mehta, MD, Doctor, Department of Gastroenterology, SIDS Hospital and Research Centre, Khatodra Bamroli Road, Near Shell Petrol Pump, Majuragate, Surat 395002, Gujarat, India. rajivmehta@sidshospital.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Yagna Mehta, Department of Chemical Engineering, Nirma University, Ahemdabad 382481, Gujarat, India
Saumya Mehta, Carnegie Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
Vishwa Bhayani, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
Sankalp Parikh, Rajiv Mehta, Department of Gastroenterology, SIDS Hospital and Research Centre, Surat 395002, Gujarat, India
Author contributions: Mehta Y and Bhayani V reviewed the literature and wrote the initial draft of the manuscript; Mehta S, Parikh S, and Mehta R reviewed and edited the manuscript; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Rajiv Mehta, MD, Doctor, Department of Gastroenterology, SIDS Hospital and Research Centre, Khatodra Bamroli Road, Near Shell Petrol Pump, Majuragate, Surat 395002, Gujarat, India. rajivmehta@sidshospital.com
Received: June 9, 2025 Revised: July 14, 2025 Accepted: August 21, 2025 Published online: September 28, 2025 Processing time: 102 Days and 14.7 Hours
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), and radiomics is rapidly reshaping gastroenterology and hepatology. Advanced computational models including convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, transformers, artificial neural networks, and support vector machines are revolutionizing both clinical practice and biomedical research. This review explores the broad applications of AI in managing patient data, developing disease-specific algorithms, and performing literature mining. In drug discovery, AI-driven computational chemistry is significantly speeding up drug discovery and development by accelerating hit identification, lead optimization, and formulation development. Machine learning models enable the precise prediction of molecular interactions and drug-target binding, thereby improving screening efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional experimental methods. AI also plays a central role in structure-based drug design, molecular docking, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity simulations, while facilitating excipient selection and optimizing formulation stability and bioavailability. In clinical endoscopy, DL-enhanced computer vision is advancing ambient intelligence by enabling real-time image interpretation and procedural guidance. AI-based predictive analytics further support personalized medicine by forecasting treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease. Remote monitoring systems powered by AI are proving vital in managing high-risk populations, including patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, liver transplant recipients, and individuals with cirrhosis requiring individualized diuretic titration. Despite its promise, AI potential in gastroenterology faces challenges stemming from data inconsistencies, ethical concerns, algorithmic biases, and data privacy issues including health insurance portability and accountability act and general data protection regulation compliance. Establishing standardized protocols for data collection, labeling, and sharing, alongside robust multicenter databases and regulatory oversight, are essential for ensuring safe, ethical, and effective AI integration into clinical workflows.
Core Tip: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming gastroenterology and hepatology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, enabling personalized therapy, and accelerating drug discovery. This review highlights key AI applications such as real-time polyp detection, predictive modeling in inflammatory bowel disease, and early risk stratification in acute pancreatitis. AI also supports drug repurposing, de novo molecule design, and formulation optimization through absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profiling. In hepatology, AI facilitates remote monitoring and guides complex cancer care via tumor boards. Educational tools like GastroAGI (AI-powered learning in gastroenterology) further extend its impact. Addressing data quality, interpretability, and ethical challenges is essential for integrating AI into clinical practice.
