India hosts World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 with focus on emerging role of AI in diagnosis

The World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026 opened in New Delhi, on 30th Sept, with global and Indian gastroenterology experts examining the changing burden of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, the need for earlier diagnosis and evolving approaches to prevention and treatment.

Being held in India for the first time, the four-day Congress has brought together around 3,000 delegates from 61 countries, including leading clinicians and researchers from across the world.

The opening day covered the growing range of infectious, metabolic, inflammatory and malignant gastrointestinal conditions. H. pylori and intestinal worm disease continue to affect large populations. At the same time, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal cancers and chronic digestive disorders are placing new demands on healthcare systems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced diagnostics are also emerging as important areas of discussion. Research spans deep learning for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) detection and quantitative interpretation of celiac biopsies. It also includes AI-assisted evaluation of pancreatic cysts and applications in Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and pancreatic cancer.

Over the next three days, WCOG 2026 will span gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, pancreatic diseases, GI cancers, nutrition, microbiome science and emerging technologies. Key areas include acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer surveillance and early detection, advanced endoscopy, liver transplantation, gut microbiota, precision medicine and the clinical application of AI.

Jointly organised by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organisation, with support from leading Indian gastroenterology and hepatology associations, WCOG 2026 is being held under the theme “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.”