Surgical procedures with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) currently allows us to process information and activate cognitive functions that are far above those of human logic and reasoning.

Surgical procedures applying Artificial Intelligence (AI), through algorithms and computer systems, are at hand in daily practice.

Innovation will require adapting surgery to a constantly changing clinical reality where artificial intelligence will be able to provide an appropriate basis for medical decision-making.

Surgical intervention is a complex process where the result is related to certain aspects such as preoperative planning, the surgeon’s experience or decision making in real time.

On the other hand, predictive models could help in making preoperative decisions with sufficient scientific certainty. There are more and more works where artificial intelligence is applied to assess complex surgical problems.

The time of each surgical procedure, the occupancy of the resuscitation room and even cases with a high probability of cancellation on the day of surgery, can be predicted with greater precision.

Thus, this block of data will be of utmost importance, because it will improve planning, limit spending and increase the safety of the surgical procedure.

Examples of the application of artificial intelligence in surgery, we have that in 2018, Lundberg et Al, developed a system based on deep learning that allows predicting intraoperative hypoxemia a few minutes before it occurs.

This form of explanatory artificial intelligence could also be applied to advise the surgeon in real time about the risk of hemorrhage, hypothermia, or even detect the presence of wrong anatomical structures.

Therefore, all of this will provide us with the opportunity to anticipate complications and manage them preventively.

At the 2023 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons (ACS, Boston, MA, USA), a group of surgeons showed how this technology is making radical positive changes in patient care before, during and after surgery. However, in the midst of these technological advances, the group of surgeons highlighted the irreplaceable aspect of human contact in medical care.

Dr. Walsh also presents an example of the application of artificial intelligence in surgery “When we remove a gallbladder, it has a branch, similar to a tree branch. There is a branch that goes over the gallbladder, and among all the different branches, you have to find exactly the right one,” Dr. Walsh explained. “One of the mistakes that can happen in surgery is someone cutting the wrong branch. “And if you were a surgeon in the operating room about to cut the wrong one, you might get a flashing red signal warning you that you’re about to cut the wrong structure.”

Another clear example is the use of infusion pumps that give precise doses of anesthesia according to the patient’s weight and medical condition. Although more exact models are being made to individualize each patient’s corresponding anesthetic dose.

AI can control surgical robots to perform accurate and less invasive surgical procedures. For example, surgical robots can help perform prostate surgeries with greater precision and fewer side effects.

The evolution of surgical robots continues with research and development of more advanced and versatile systems.

Below are some of the models used in surgery:

Da Vinci Surgical System: Surgical robot used in high-precision surgeries such as prostate, gynecological and cardiac surgeries.
Senhance Surgical System: This surgical robot is used in abdominal, gynecological and urological surgeries.
Versius Surgical System: This is a surgical robot that is being used in multi-specialty surgeries, including general, gynecological and urological surgery.
Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System: This is a surgical robot used in orthopedic surgeries, particularly hip and knee replacement surgeries.
HUGO™, allows you to perform gynecological, urological and gastrointestinal surgeries. It can also be used in cardiovascular and general surgery procedures, among others.
Uniportal surgical robot with Nitinol SHURUI, this robot works with Nitinol to move its joints.
Remote telesurgery, Most of them are done by da Vinci surgical robot.

Remote surgical operations require fast and accurate transmission of information. Although this is still complicated today due to the possible lack of a strong Internet connection, the use of 5G networks can considerably speed up this process.