Deep Learning Applications in Surgery: Current Uses and Future Directions

Abstract

Deep learning (DL) is a subset of machine learning that is rapidly gaining traction in surgical fields. Its tremendous capacity for powerful data-driven problem-solving has generated computational breakthroughs in many realms, with the fields of medicine and surgery becoming increasingly prominent avenues. Through its multi-layer architecture of interconnected neural networks, DL enables feature extraction and pattern recognition of highly complex and large-volume data. Across various surgical specialties, DL is being applied to optimize both preoperative planning and intraoperative performance in new and innovative ways. Surgeons are now able to integrate deep learning tools into their practice to improve patient safety and outcomes. Through this review, we explore the applications of deep learning in surgery and related subspecialties with an aim to shed light on the practical utilization of this technology in the present and near future.

Aplicaciones de la inteligencia artificial en la cirugía plástica y reconstructiva: una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura

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“…En la Tabla 1 se describen los conceptos anteriores. [7][8][9][10] El aprendizaje automatizado, por ejemplo, se refiere a programas informáticos que, al recibir grandes volúmenes de información, buscan establecer conexiones y reconocer patrones entre variables. Estos programas pueden ser entrenados para desarrollar algoritmos capaces de identificar diagnósticos o predecir desenlaces clínicos en pacientes.…”

Vitreoretinal Surgical Instrument Tracking in Three Dimensions Using Deep Learning

“…They summarized that surgical procedures with simple workflow and well-defined automated phase of recognition can be performed with high accuracy, but more complex surgical procedures remained more challenging. 30 Additional reviews of DL applied to surgery highlight its potential to optimize preoperative planning and intraoperative performance, 31 as well as the prediction of postoperative outcomes. 32 …”

Ethical, Legal, and Financial Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Surgery

“…5,6 Although AI-assisted surgery and surgical planning are gaining momentum and credibility, the relative novelty and perceived inaccessibility of the technology have hindered widespread adoption. 7 AI can be a powerful aid to decision-making across many fields and industries but can only perform as well as the data available will allow and cannot be treated as infallible or omniscient. The values and priorities of AI must not only underpin the development of the technology but also permeate throughout all stages of development and deployment.…”