Artificial Intelligence in Surgery, Surgical Subspecialties, and Related Disciplines

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms show promise in revolutionizing many aspects of surgical care. ML algorithms may be used to improve radiologic diagnosis of disease and predict peri-, intra-, and postoperative complications in patients based on their vital signs and other clinical characteristics. Computer vision may improve laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical education by identifying and tracking the surgeon’s movements and providing real-time performance feedback. Eventually, AI and ML may be used to perform operative interventions that were not previously possible (nanosurgery or endoluminal surgery) with the utilization of fully autonomous surgical robots. Overall, AI will impact every surgical subspecialty, and surgeons must be prepared to facilitate the use of this technology to optimize patient care. This chapter will review the applications of AI across different surgical disciplines, the risks and limitations associated with AI and ML, and the role surgeons will play in implementing this technology into their practice.