The Challenges of Deep Learning in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Actions in Surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving within the global healthcare vertical and especially within the domain of surgery. This chapter reviews important terms used in machine learning and the challenges of deep learning in surgery. A review of the English literature was carried out, focusing on the terms ‘challenges of deep learning’ and ‘surgery’ using Medline and PubMed between 2018 and 2022. Fifty-two articles discussing the challenges of deep learning in general and 23 articles from various surgical specialties were found. The expansion of AI within the surgical domain is faced with a wide variety of challenges, including technical, ethical, clinical, and business-related aspects. A clear understanding by surgeons of AI concepts and their role in surgery will expedite its safe and cost-efficient expansion within the global surgical domain.