[Artificial intelligence empowers functional preservation and safety guarantee in laparoscopic colorectal surgery].

Abstract

Transabdominal and transanal endoscopic approaches have become mainstream in colorectal surgery. With the substantial improvement in survival outcomes for colorectal cancer patients, a growing number of colorectal surgeons are increasingly focusing on enhancing postoperative quality of life, prioritizing functional preservation, especially the intraoperative preservation of pelvic autonomic nerves. Recently, with the gradual deepening of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the medical field, colorectal surgeons have begun exploring its implementation in colorectal surgery. Current achievements primarily involve the identification and protection of nerves and organs. However, most AI applications remain at preclinical exploration stages, limiting their clinical application. Furthermore, AI faces challenges in recognizing blood vessels with significant deformation and movement. Thus, the precise real-time navigation and protection of blood vessels during surgery have yet to be achieved. Therefore, future developments in this field should focus on resolving issues such as non-rigid registration, real-time calibration etc., thereby deepening the application of AI in functional preservation and surgical safety assurance during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.