Patsy Newitt

Artificial intelligence has a growing presence in gastroenterology. From colonoscopy procedures to imaging techniques, here are six AI updates in GI so far in 2021:

Pittsburgh-based Allegheny General Hospital, the flagship medical center for Allegheny Health Network, performed colorectal and breast reconstruction surgeries using the da Vinci Xi surgical system for patients who underwent aggressive cancer therapies. 

Lancaster, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley named ophthalmologist Khodam Rostomian, MD, as medical director. 

University of Virginia Health in Charlottesville finalized an agreement to acquire an ASC, according to an April 16 release. 

Pittsburgh-based UPMC has sold a surgery center building on the grounds of the former UPMC Memorial Hospital in Spring Garden Township, Pa., for $2.4 million, Penn Live reported April 18. 

Beverly Hills, Calif.-based 90210 Surgery Medical Center was ranked in Newsweek's top 10 ASCs of 2021. The ASC's leaders noted that while the pandemic was a challenge, it provided key insights on surgery migration and leadership. 

North Carolina has had at least four ASCs announced or opened in the past 60 days, and two North Carolina ASC leaders spoke with Becker's ASC Review on the reasons behind the growth.

A new market research report published in MarketsandMarkets said the global market for laparoscopic instruments is expected to reach $22.1 billion by 2026, up from $12.3 billion in 2021. 

Clearwater, Fla.-based Gastro Florida has partnered with ChronWell, a clinical service provider, to extend patient care with ChronWell's digital health solutions, according to an April 15 release. 

Ophthalmology physicians reported the second highest incentive bonus, according to the 2021 "Medscape Physician Compensation Report."