National Institute of Technology, Trichy organised a seminar on Advancements in AI in Gastroenterology: A New Era in Medical Innovation" on 12.3.2025. Dr. Vijayanand, an esteemed Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, Sri Ramakrishna Specialty Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Trichy, delivered a compelling address at the seminar organised by the Dept of Instrumentation and Control Engineering (ICE) of NIT Trichy.
Dr. N. Sivakumaran, Professor, Dept of Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Welcome the Faculty, Staff and Students. Dr. Vijayanand, Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, Sri Ramakrishna Specialty Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Trichy emphasized the role of AI in gastrointestinal medicine and surgery, particularly in the early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Addressing a gathering of students and professors of NIT, Dr. Vijayanand highlighted how AI has been making strides in endoscopic procedures since the introduction of CADe (Computer-Aided Detection) and CADex (Computer-Aided Diagnosis) in colonoscopy in 2010. These AI-driven technologies have significantly improved the early detection of precancerous lesions, thereby reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer. He further stressed that AI-assisted GI cancer surgeries are enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and reducing recovery time.
While China and the USA are at the forefront of AI-driven innovations in gastroenterology, Dr. Vijayanand urged Indian students and researchers to develop multiple projects integrating AI into gastrointestinal medicine and surgery. He encouraged future doctors and engineers to bridge the technological gap by focusing on AI-based advancements in diagnostics, robotic-assisted surgeries, and predictive analytics for GI disorders.
In addition to advancements in medical technology, Dr. Vijayanand also raised awareness about gut health among students, stressing the importance of a balanced diet, lifestyle modifications, and early screening to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. With March being observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, he called upon students to actively promote awareness regarding the alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases, particularly among younger populations.
The integration of AI in gastroenterology is not just a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, significantly improving early diagnosis, treatment precision, and patient care. As AI continues to shape the future of medicine, it is crucial for India to accelerate research and development in this domain to match global advancements and enhance healthcare outcomes.
More than 120 faculty, staff, students and Research Scholars attended the event.