Artificial Intelligence-Based Analysis of Laparoscopic Imaging for Intraoperative Surgical Decision Support
Zheyuan Zhang1, Pietro Mascagni2,3, Annika Reinke4,5
1Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA;
Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance minimally invasive surgery by analyzing laparoscopic video streams. This technology promises to improve surgical decision-making, leading to better patient outcomes and safety.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Medical Imaging Analysis
Background:
- Minimally invasive surgery offers benefits like reduced trauma and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
- Current laparoscopic surgery relies on surgeons' visual interpretation due to limited field of view and haptic feedback.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) excels in visual data interpretation, with existing applications in radiology and endoscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review AI applications for analyzing laparoscopic video streams.
- To explore AI's potential for real-time, objective analysis during surgery.
- To identify AI approaches for future intraoperative surgical decision support tools.
Main Methods:
- Review of research studies on AI-based surgical scene and process understanding.
- Focus on AI applications with potential for clinical translation within the next decade.
- Analysis of AI's role in augmenting laparoscopic surgery decision-making.
Main Results:
- AI methods demonstrate feasibility in understanding surgical scenes and processes from video data.
- AI can provide objective, real-time analysis of laparoscopic video streams.
- Several AI approaches show promise for integration into surgical workflows.
Conclusions:
- AI holds significant potential to augment laparoscopic surgery by providing objective insights.
- AI-powered decision support tools can enhance surgical quality and patient safety.
- The translation of AI applications into intraoperative tools is anticipated in the coming decade.
