AI in surgery: a double-edged scalpel?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be defined as the application of computer algorithms that mirror or augment human cognitive processes. The role of AI in the medical world is advancing rapidly, as evidenced by the widespread use of his ChatGPT technology, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI and released in November 2022.

In surgery, AI has the potential to improve efficiency and improve surgical outcomes. However, there are growing concerns that the general use of this technique may result in inappropriate therapeutic interventions.A recent study published in american surgeon Learn how AI can be integrated into surgery and the ethical considerations for its use.

study: Harvesting the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Surgery: Uses, Implications, and Ethical Considerations. Image Credit: Jirsak / Shutterstock.com

AI in surgery

AI can quickly and efficiently analyze vast amounts of data to address some of the challenges facing today’s healthcare system. Modern healthcare generates massive amounts of data that can be aggregated and synthesized by AI to provide useful and targeted outputs for surgeons. These outputs are available from the initial consultation stage through to postoperative management.

Given the ways AI might be integrated into surgery, the breadth of possibilities cannot be fully described. Before surgery, AI algorithms can provide predictive analytics to help detect disease early. This may allow for more rapid intervention, resulting in improved outcomes and prognosis.

Physicians can also use technology to study patient lab reports, scans, and other medical records to create customized treatment plans at a more micro level. In the operating room, AI technology can enhance decision-making by analyzing data from multiple sources in real time and providing feedback to surgeons. This can improve decision-making and prevent adverse outcomes.

After hospital discharge, AI can be used to evaluate data from patient monitoring systems to detect possible complications during postoperative visits. More routinely, AI-based platforms can be established to be the first line of patient communication for minor concerns and frequently asked questions. Overall, using AI in surgery has the potential to reduce the risk of complications, shorten recovery times, and improve the overall patient experience.

The Challenges of Using AI in Surgery

Alongside the use of web-based search engines, patients may also turn to AI-based applications for research and self-education. The issue was raised following the emergence of ChatGPT, which is very popular among medical professionals and the general public.

With improved accessibility, ChatGPT is at risk of severe abuse. Concerns have been raised about the potential to supersede human expertise and prescribe baseless medical recommendations.

Given that it’s easy to enter medical questions and receive what looks like a well-thought-out treatment plan, the general public worries about what might happen if this technology is abused. need to do it.

Concerns about patient privacy and data sharing have also increased after integrating AI into clinical practice. AI-based platforms rely on the availability of large amounts of medical information to provide optimal responses to questions.

Unauthorized access to protected medical databases can have serious consequences for both individuals and healthcare systems. Individuals may be reluctant to consent to the use of their personal data to train AI, as they may be unaware of the breadth of information that external systems have access to.

The uncertainty surrounding the use of data underscores medical legal aspects to consider when integrating AI into surgery.

Currently, protocols and norms regulating the clinical operation of AI are inadequate. AI may therefore be used by practitioners unfamiliar with the technology, potentially leading to liability for medical errors and malpractice. It can also be difficult to determine whether doctors, hospitals, or developers of AI tools are responsible for these errors.

How to Allay Concerns About the Use of AI in Medicine

It may be helpful for all assistance provided by AI-based systems to undergo the required secondary evaluation by a qualified medical professional. You should include a disclaimer that clearly states the difference.

To mitigate patient data privacy and security concerns, anonymization protocols should be established and robust security measures developed for all databases. Patients should also be educated about the potential use of their data to alleviate their concerns. It is also important to obtain informed consent to see if the patient supports her use of AI.

As the quality and accuracy of AI-based systems continue to improve, it is expected that the complexity caused by AI-based systems will be greatly reduced. It is clear that this technology will have a major impact on the surgical field. However, important ethical considerations should be carefully considered.