Emerging Technologies

What to Expect at DDW 2022

Technological innovations will be at the forefront, notably recent advancements in artificial intelligence.

After consecutive years of virtual events, the world’s largest meeting involving the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery will return to an in-person gathering again.

Physicians, researchers, and industry professionals will gather in San Diego May 21-24  for Digestive Disease Week 2022 to broaden their knowledge of digestive diseases and improve the lives of those living with them.

Among the benefits of returning an in-person conference, according to ASGE President Dr. Douglas K. Rex, is the return of live endoscopy sessions. These allow endoscopists to see how experts handle both routine and challenging cases in real time, Rex told Healio.

Technological innovations will be at the forefront, notably recent advancements in artificial intelligence. Sessions include the AI in GI Workshop, which covers ways AI will impact diagnoses, treatments, and processes. It has the potential, according to experts, to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and impact population health.

On May 21, a panel session called “50 Years of Endoscopic Evolution: The Continual Replacement of GI Surgery by Endoscopic Innovation,” will discuss the newest innovative endoscopic surgical techniques.

Single-use endoscopes will be evaluated during poster presentations, both on their performance and their cost effectiveness.

Other sessions of note include the AGA presidential plenary, which will focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the gastroenterology community. That plenary will include the imperative for the society to adopt action items addressing such issues.

Other relevant topics will naturally feature COVID-19 and its impact on the gastrointestinal tract as well as clinicians and their practices. Sessions are classified under one of 17 “tracks,” including:

  • Technologies and procedural innovations
  • Healthcare delivery, disparities and quality
  • Pediatric GI
  • Practice management

The final day’s “Best of DDW” will feature speakers from ASGE and AGA, as well as SSAT and AASLD, recapping their personal highlights from the convention.

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