Planning and Preparing for the Operation: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Surgery

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform surgery. It will alter the way that data is analyzed and, hence, will influence the way we perform research. In the preoperative setting, it will affect imaging and earlier diagnosis of tumors, lead to more accurate cancer staging and treatment decisions, and provide more precise risk assessment so that we can better inform our patients and plan the appropriate procedure. Intra-operatively, AI will help conduct the operation with augmented reality, allowing us to perform safer and more effective operations. It will also assist our anesthesia colleagues in delivering safer and more effective anesthesia. During postoperative care, AI will help predict complications, allowing for earlier interventions that could decrease patient morbidity and mortality. It will assist in the prediction of patient pain management needs. Additionally, AI will help provide appropriate patient disposition, benefiting the patient and the healthcare system.