Colorectal adenomas are precursors to colorectal cancer (CRC). Accurate pre-procedure risk stratification could optimize colonoscopy yield and resource allocation in India, where adenoma prevalence varies by age, sex, and lifestyle/metabolic factors. ML models can integrate multiple predictors to estimate individualized risk.
Existing risk scores are largely Western; performance and calibration may not be appropriate in Indian populations with different socio-demographic and metabolic profiles. External, prospective, multicentre validation is essential before clinical implementation.
Adults ≥18 years undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy.
Adequate bowel preparation (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale total ≥6 with each segment ≥2).
Complete examination (cecal intubation; withdrawal time ≥6 min when no therapy).
Availability of all model predictors per CRF.
• Known CRC or polyp, prior colectomy, polyposis syndromes, known IBD, or strong hereditary CRC syndromes (e.g., Lynch) if excluded in derivation.
Inadequate prep, incomplete colonoscopy, obstructing lesions preventing optical diagnosis beyond obstruction.
Emergency colonoscopies, therapeutic-only procedures without diagnostic intent.