The digital transformation of surgery

Abstract

Rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence in recent years have already begun to transform many industries, and are beginning to make headway into healthcare. There is tremendous potential for new digital technologies to improve the care of surgical patients. In this piece, we highlight work being done to advance surgical care using machine learning, computer vision, wearable devices, remote patient monitoring, and virtual and augmented reality. We describe ways these technologies can be used to improve the practice of surgery, and discuss opportunities and challenges to their widespread adoption and use in operating rooms and at the bedside.

Robot-assisted surgery in thoracic and visceral indications: an updated systematic review

“…The rapid introduction of expensive technological advances poses a challenge for policymakers as it often surpasses the capacity of governments and society to promptly adapt to the resulting changes, leading to heightened inequalities and ethical dilemmas [ 15 , 49 ]. Thus, the integration of new technologies frequently precedes the accumulation of solid evidence demonstrating clear superiority [ 15 ].…”

“…Currently, new technological advancements, including endoluminal robotics and the integration of artificial intelligence into robotic systems, are underway, illustrating the dynamic landscape of surgical progress [ 12 – 14 ]. This trend poses additional challenges in ensuring that advancements align with evidence-based practices, requiring a careful balance between embracing new technologies and ensuring their efficacy and safety through rigorous research and comparative studies [ 15 ]. The combination of these factors, along with the numerous ongoing studies identified in the 2019 report, underscores the necessity for a reassessment of the clinical effectiveness and safety of RAS.…”

Knowledge Transfer and Networking Upon Implementation of a Transdisciplinary Digital Health Curriculum in a Unique Digital Health Training Culture: Prospective Analysis

“…The use of modern technologies has enormous potential for optimizing patient treatment [ 20 21 ]. In surgery, in particular, there is a wide range of applications in the operating theater and perioperative management.…”

“…A recent editorial describes current emerging innovations with particular potential, which are also included in the digital health curriculum [ 20 ]. In particular, this involves the contents of machine learning–enabled clinical decision-making support, computer vision and augmented reality, as well as wearable devices and remote patient monitoring.…”

Immersive Innovations: Exploring the Diverse Applications of Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare

“…Real-time intraoperative computer vision analysis holds significant promise for enhancing surgical safety, offering AR support to surgeons during procedures. Published computer vision models have demonstrated their capacity to evaluate operative complexity, aid in decision-making for minimally invasive procedures, objectively assess surgeons' technical skills, provide real-time feedback during surgery, evaluate dynamics within the operating room team, and even predict postoperative outcomes based on intraoperative events [ 79 ].…”