The integration of artificial intelligence in robotic surgery: A narrative review

Robotic hand surgery: current insights and future directions

Robotic surgery is a rapidly evolving field that will potentially play a pivotal role in future patient care. There are specific challenges that needs circumventing for each surgical specialty. This article discusses the current robotic surgical systems that have been developed or are currently in development for its application in hand surgery, which has its own unique complexity of comprising both bony and soft tissue procedures. Although robotics has been applied to a wide range of surgical specialties, its precise role in hand surgery remains a subject of further research. We delve into how this new technology is changing the landscape of the management of hand conditions, in both bony and microsurgical procedures, and future directions of this evolving field.

The application of augmented reality in robotic general surgery: A mini-review

In robotic surgery, surgical planning and surgical navigation represent two crucial elements, allowing surgeons to maximize surgical outcomes while minimizing the risk of complications. In this context, an emerging imaging technology, namely augmented reality (AR), can represent a powerful tool to create an integration of preoperative 3D models into the live intraoperative view, providing an interactive visual interface rather than a simple operative field. In this way, surgeons can be guided by preoperative imaging during the operation. This makes the surgical procedure more accurate and safer, leading to so-called "precision surgery". This article aims to provide an overview of developments in the application of AR in robotic general surgery. The integration of this imaging technology in this surgical field is showing promising results. The main benefits include improved oncological outcomes and reduced occurrence of complications. In addition, its application may also be important for surgical education. However, we are still in the initial phase of the experience and some important limitations remain. Moreover, to our knowledge, to date, reports in the literature regarding the integration of AR in robotic general surgery are still very limited. To improve its application, close collaboration between engineers, software developers, and surgeons is mandatory.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Minimally Invasive and Complex Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review

Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming surgery by improving patient outcomes, efficiency, and precision. The use of robotics in surgery tackles important issues, including surgical precision, minimally invasive procedures, and healthcare accessibility, as global healthcare systems embrace AI-driven technologies more and more. However, access gaps and ethical issues with automation continue to exist on a worldwide scale, calling for a fair discussion of these developments. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the most recent literature on the role of AI and robotics in minimally invasive and complex surgical procedures. The study was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We search for relevant studies across four different databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). We also restricted our search to 2024 to capture the most recent advancement only. We found 393 relevant studies, of which only 12 were included in this study upon assessing them with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review ensures scientific rigor and openness by evaluating surgical specializations, AI technologies, and outcomes such as accuracy, recovery, and complications. The results show significant progress in AI-powered surgical systems, enhancing judgment, lowering surgical errors, and enabling individualized treatment plans. AI-enhanced visualization, real-time data processing, and automated robotic equipment are notable innovations that boost patient safety and procedure efficiency. The importance of these developments is emphasized throughout the discussion, especially with regard to developing minimally invasive procedures and increasing surgical capabilities for complex surgeries. However, obstacles to broad adoption are cited, including expenses, moral dilemmas, and the requirement for stringent training procedures.

Orthopedic surgical robotic systems in knee arthroplasty: a comprehensive review

In conjunction with the accelerated evolution of robotics, the advancement of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgical systems is occurring at a similarly accelerated pace, and is becoming increasingly accepted. It is employed in numerous surgical specialties, including orthopedics, and has significantly transformed traditional surgical techniques. Among these applications, knee arthroplasty represents one of the most prevalent and efficacious procedures within the domain of robot-assisted orthopedic surgery. The implementation of surgical robotic systems has the potential to enhance the precision and accuracy of surgical outcomes, facilitate reproducibility, reduce technical variability, mitigate patient discomfort, and accelerate recovery. In this paper, a literature review of the Web of Science and PubMed databases was conducted to search for all articles on orthopedic surgical robotics through November 2024. It mainly summarizes the most commonly used and widely accepted robotic systems in the field of orthopedic surgery, with a particular focus on their application in knee arthroplasty procedures. Orthopedic robotic systems can be classified into three principal categories: autonomous robotic systems, semi-autonomous robotic systems, and teleoperated robotic systems. In the context of knee arthroplasty, the characteristics of different robotic systems are examined in relation to three types of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) and Patellofemoral Arthroplasty (PFA). In conclusion, the current state of orthopedic surgical robotics is reviewed, and future development prospects and challenges are proposed.

The Impact of Transurethral Enucleation Therapeutic Approach in All-Size Benign Prostatic Obstruction Pathology: From Contemporary Technological Advances to Evidence-Based Clinical Progresses

Transurethral enucleation (TUE) has revolutionized the management of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), offering a minimally invasive solution with superior efficacy across all prostate sizes. This review explores the advancements in TUE techniques, including Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP), and bipolar enucleation, highlighting their clinical benefits, safety profiles, and long-term outcomes. Compared to traditional approaches such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy, TUE has been associated with reduced complication rates, shorter recovery times, and durable symptom relief. The manuscript also examines patient-centered considerations, such as quality of life improvements and preservation of sexual function, which contribute to high patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the economic advantages of TUE, driven by reduced retreatment rates and healthcare costs, underscore its value for both patients and healthcare systems. Emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), promise to further enhance procedural planning, surgical precision, and training pathways. Efforts to expand global access through cost-effective adaptations like bipolar enucleation and targeted training initiatives are paving the way for wider adoption of TUE. With its adaptability, technological advancements, and focus on patient outcomes, TUE is poised to become the global standard of care in BPO management.

Revolutionizing surgery: AI and robotics for precision, risk reduction, and innovation

Artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing surgical practices by enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. With global healthcare systems increasingly adopting AI-driven technologies, the integration of robotics in surgery addresses critical challenges such as surgical accuracy, minimally invasive techniques, and healthcare accessibility. However, disparities in access and ethical concerns regarding automation persist globally, necessitating a balanced discourse on these advancements. The primary objective of the review is to explore the intersection of AI and robotic technologies in surgical practices, highlighting key innovations, their impact on precision medicine, and future trajectories. The novelty of the review lies in synthesizing findings across diverse surgical specialties, including urology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and pediatric surgery, to provide a comprehensive understanding of AI's transformative role. The systematic review evaluates the integration of AI and robotics in surgery, synthesizing studies published in 2024. It follows PRISMA guidelines for study selection, data extraction, and synthesis. The review assesses surgical specialties, AI technologies, and outcomes like accuracy, recovery, and complications, ensuring methodological rigor and transparency. The findings indicate substantial advancements in AI-driven surgical systems, improving decision-making, reducing surgical errors, and facilitating personalized treatment strategies. Notable breakthroughs include AI-enhanced imaging, real-time data analysis, and automated robotic instruments, which collectively improve procedural efficiency and patient safety. The discussion emphasizes the critical implications of these innovations, particularly in advancing minimally invasive techniques and expanding surgical capabilities in complex procedures. However, challenges such as cost, ethical considerations, and the need for rigorous training protocols are highlighted as barriers to widespread adoption. The review underscores the implications for policymakers, healthcare institutions, and technology developers to address these barriers and promote equitable access to AI-driven surgical solutions. Limitations include the reliance on recent studies, necessitating long-term evaluations of clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on integrating AI with emerging technologies like augmented reality, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing socio-ethical dimensions to fully realize the potential of AI in surgical advancements.

A Review of the Current Trends and Future Perspectives of Robots in Colorectal Surgery: What Have We Got Ourselves Into?

Robotic colorectal surgery represents a significant advancement in the management of complex colorectal conditions, offering enhanced precision, safety, and improved patient outcomes. It is widely utilised for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, and rectal prolapse, with key benefits such as 3D visualisation, superior dexterity, and precise navigation in confined spaces. These advantages contribute to lower conversion rates to open surgery, faster recovery, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays. This narrative review analysed recent peer-reviewed literature, focusing on technological advancements, clinical outcomes, and emerging challenges in robotic colorectal surgery. Findings highlight improved oncological precision, faster recovery, and fewer complications, driven by innovations like AI-guided decision-making and advanced robotic platforms. However, issues such as prolonged operative times, high costs, and steep learning curves remain. Future efforts should prioritise integrating AI, enhancing surgeon training, and addressing cost barriers to maximise the potential of robotic colorectal surgery in improving patient care.

Healthcare Transformation: Artificial Intelligence Is the Dire Imperative of the Day

At present, healthcare systems around the world are confronted with unprecedented challenges caused by aging demographics, increasing chronic diseases, and resource challenges. In this scenario, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a disruptive technology that can provide solutions to these complicated problems. This review article outlines the vital role played by AI in altering the health landscape. The constant demand for effective and accessible healthcare demands the use of new solutions. AI can be described as an important imperative, enabling advancements in many areas of the delivery of healthcare. This review article explores the possibilities of use of AI to aid in the field of healthcare assistants, diagnosing, disease prediction, and personalized treatment and the discovery of drugs, telemedicine and remote monitoring of patients, robotic-assisted procedures imaging for pathology and radiology analysis, and the analysis of genomic data. By analyzing the existing research and cases, we explain how AI-driven technology can optimize processes in healthcare, improve diagnosis accuracy, improve the quality of treatment, and simplify administrative tasks. By highlighting the most successful AI applications and laying out possible future developments, the review article will provide insight for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders in harnessing the power of AI to transform healthcare delivery and enhance the quality of care for patients.