Artificial intelligence in the surgical management for colorectal cancer: current applications and future directions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly investigated across colorectal cancer (CRC) management, with the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, support surgical decision-making, and refine prognostic stratification. This review focuses on AI applications within the surgical treatment continuum for CRC, covering endoscopic screening and diagnosis, radiological staging, intraoperative navigation, postoperative complication prediction and prognostic risk stratification. From a surgeon-centered perspective, we critically analyze the gap between model performance and real-world clinical utility, as well as key translational barriers. We believe this review provides a foundation for clinicians and researchers seeking to understand the current state and future potential of AI in CRC surgical care.