The digital surgeon: How big data, automation, and artificial intelligence will change surgical practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Exponential growth in computing power, data storage, and sensing technology enables massive data capture and analysis.
• Machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) advance computer-driven insights from data beyond human analytical capacity.
• Current AI health technologies primarily focus on diagnostic fields like radiology and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential impact of the digital revolution, specifically AI, on the future of surgical practice.
• To identify key areas within surgery where AI is likely to have a significant impact in the near future.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the convergence of computational power, data storage, connectivity, and AI in healthcare.
• Identification and discussion of three primary domains for AI integration in surgery: training, cognitive enhancement, and automation.

Main Results:

• AI is poised to impact surgery through enhanced training modalities, improving surgical education and skill acquisition.
• AI can provide cognitive enhancement for surgeons, augmenting decision-making and performance during procedures.
• Procedural automation presents a future frontier, with AI potentially taking on aspects of surgical tasks.

Conclusions:

• The adoption of AI in surgery requires careful consideration of potential missteps and challenges.
• Surgeons must adapt to AI by embracing smarter training, supervising machine learning for cognitive support, and overseeing autonomous systems.
• Maintaining and preventing decay in fundamental surgical skills is crucial during the integration of AI and automation.