As advances in AI continue to change the way surgeons care for patients, the ACS is reporting on the latest innovations. Read articles from the ACS Bulletin and JACS, view the latest press releases, and access additional resources to help you stay on the cutting edge of AI developments.
Hospitals around the world are incorporating AI into surgical care, and what was merely theoretical a few years ago is now a staple of the healthcare workflow. From education and training, to risk analysis and clinical documentation, to OR logistics and intraoperative guidance, AI has become a crucial part of the surgical ecosystem.
Intraoperative AI has the potential to flag risks, anticipate the next phase of an operation, and display warnings or overlays. It could warn a surgeon before a risky cut and help identify polyps. AI may also be able to assist with defined tasks in laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
When it comes to surgical training, AI can support simulations, skills assessments, and ongoing education. AI simulation systems can be more realistic and responsive, allowing trainees to practice procedures in a safe, controlled environment before operating on patients. By analyzing video or instrument movement, AI can provide feedback on the trainee’s techniques, offering a more precise and individualized assessment of surgical skills.
While AI presents tremendous potential to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, it must function as a tool to augment surgical skills and decision-making. AI is not a replacement for clinical judgement. Furthermore, the technology can raise issues if not implemented carefully. Questions about patient privacy and safety, surgeon bias, and accountability highlight the need for effective guardrails before AI systems are implemented in a surgical practice.
Surgical Innovation and AI in JACS
Read coverage from the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) exploring technology-driven advances transforming surgical practice, outcomes, and patient care.