The Robotic Surgeon: AI’s Role In The Operating Room
Photo by Freepik
Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as a machine's ability to perform functions that are usually thought of as intelligent human behaviors, such as learning, reasoning, and solving problems. AI algorithms specialize in detecting patterns from large amounts of data and identifying relationships in the data that cannot be easily perceived by the human brain. Given the recent boom of AI in the world, a common question that has been asked is, “How will artificial intelligence reshape the field of medicine?” New research continues to come out every day about advancements, cognitive improvements, and increased capabilities of artificial intelligence. As AI rapidly advances, its role in medicine is expanding, raising a pressing question: could AI replace human-driven surgery in the near future?
AI is rapidly transforming industries and the field of medicine is no exception. In recent years, AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by reducing costs while enhancing the overall efficiency of the medical system. AI has many roles in medicine, from diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, and its computational power is reshaping the field of medicine, offering new possibilities for faster and more accurate decision-making.
One of the most promising potential applications for AI in medicine is its ability to detect disease in early stages and offer accurate diagnoses. Many diagnostic methods, such as medical imaging, require years of medical expertise coupled with the possibility of human error. AI algorithms have shown a high level of proficiency in analyzing complex medical data, including MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans.
AI has already begun to augment the capabilities of surgeons in many ways, especially in diagnostic imaging, robotic surgery, and personalized treatment planning. Robotic-assisted surgery systems, such as the da Vinci surgical system, are changing the game of surgery by increasing surgeon precision and control during minimally invasive surgeries. AI-driven robotic systems offer real-time feedback, and some have the cognitive capability to learn from older procedures to improve future operations.
Despite its impressive abilities and advancements, a crucial element that AI lacks in surgery is the human touch between the surgeon and the patient. AI is not capable of communicating with patients or offering psychological relief during the stressful time of surgery when patients often need the most communication. Moreover, AI struggles to adapt when surgeries deviate from their expected course, as they rely on pre-programmed procedures. A human surgeon can make adjustments in real-time, using their medical expertise and decision-making skills to mitigate unforeseen challenges during surgery. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence in surgery brings up the legal question, “who will take responsibility if something goes wrong?” AI is not ready to individually tackle the complexities of human anatomy, and the ethical and legal problems around AI use in surgery are a secondary issue that has not been sufficiently addressed in the status quo.
AI is a tool with innumerable benefits in the surgery room, but it is not likely that AI will fully replace human surgery in the near future. AI is likely to continue to act as a tool to assist human surgeons, and the future of surgery will likely involve a combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence. As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play more central roles in invasive surgeries, but the need for skilled human surgeons will likely persist. It is essential that Ai’s computational power and human judgement work together to create a future for surgery with increased efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.