The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: Predictive Analytics, Intraoperative Assistance, and Education

Artificial intelligence (Al) is transforming surgical care by enhancing risk prediction, preoperative planning, and surgical education. Unlike traditional statistical tools, Al-especially machine learning-can process complex, nonlinear clinical data to deliver highly accurate and personalized risk assessments. AI tools such as the POTTER calculator have demonstrated superior accuracy compared to traditional methods in predicting postoperative complications and mortality. Al also enables integration of structured and unstructured data, improving predictive accuracy for specific issues such as anastomotic leaks. Real-time Al systems like MySurgeryRisk, integrated into electronic health records, support clinical decision-making at the bedside, signaling a shift toward data-driven, precision surgical care.