From X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, lab results, and patient histories, to support early disease detection and diagnosis, AI algorithms help healthcare professionals make accurate and timely diagnoses, especially where early detection is crucial for successful treatment. AI diagnostic tools accurately identify diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetic retinopathy, allowing for early intervention and better patient outcomes.
Currently, more than 90% of hospitals and healthcare systems have implemented an AI or automation strategy, a significant increase from 53% in 2019. Additionally, the global market for surgical robotics and computer-assisted surgery is projected to expand from $6.1 billion in 2020 to $11.6 billion by 2025.
Leading The Way
With each passing day, AI is turning integral to healthcare, especially in surgeries! From preoperative planning to postoperative care, AI is enhancing precision, reducing errors, and allowing for more personalised surgical interventions.
“With an increase in surgical demands globally, AI offers a way to close the gap between patient needs and health infrastructure capabilities. As time passes, surgeons will be seen collaborating closely with intelligent systems that guide, assist, and even perform parts of procedures with remarkable accuracy. Remote surgeries, predictive diagnostics, and AI-driven training will make advanced surgical care more accessible, even in the underserved regions in developing and underdeveloped parts of the world,” says Dr Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD, KIMS Hospital.
Role Of AI In Surgery
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of modern medicine, particularly in the field of surgery. “By integrating AI with laparoscopic tools, surgeons can achieve superior visualisation of vascular and lymphatic structures. Predictive algorithms will soon suggest optimal dissection planes, enhancing the accuracy of tumour resections and minimising procedural risks. AI-powered robotic systems are already assisting in minimally invasive GI surgeries by capturing vast amounts of intraoperative data. The insights generated from this data will refine surgical techniques, offering predictive guidance and enabling a continuous learning loop to enhance safety and reduce human error,” says renowned gastroenterologist Dr G V Rao, Director, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology.
The Emerging Revolution
AI is making breakthroughs that could remove all these obstacles and more and revolutionise prevention and early detection. “In data-driven procedures like colorectal cancer surgeries, AI can monitor vital signs and provide predictive warnings, reducing the likelihood of adverse events,” says Dr G V Rao. Personalised recovery plans, powered by AI insights, ensure better patient adherence and improved overall outcomes. “For example, a patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy might receive AI-driven recommendations on pain management, dietary adjustments, and physical activity milestones, with real-time support available via virtual health assistants,” adds Dr G V Rao.
The most promising fact is that AI can be trained to scan imaging like MRIs to identify and flag potential tumour-like structures in patients’ scans with incredible efficiency. This can help radiologists and oncologists by allowing them to conduct a deeper examination of these flagged areas.
The Ethics of AI
For healthcare providers to succeed, embracing AI must be a strategic priority. It requires reskilling the workforce, investing in high-quality data infrastructure, and maintaining a relentless focus on patient outcomes, says Dr Bhaskar Rao. “Ethical considerations must guide every step to ensure trust and safety. It is evident that AI has the potential to transform surgery into a highly precise science available to many, making healthcare more equitable, efficient, and effective,” he adds.
Enhancing Efficiency
“As a hospital, adopting AI can really streamline a lot of our day-to-day operations. It can help us with scheduling, managing resources, and patient flow—optimizing things like surgical timings to reduce wait times, predicting patient needs, and allocating resources more efficiently. By using AI tools for things like training, diagnostics, and procedure assistance, we can also support our surgeons, reduce complications, and boost overall productivity. All of this translates into better patient care and a smoother-running system,” Dr Inayathullah Ghori, CTO & Senior Clinical Cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals.
