[Expert consensus on artificial intelligence-based risk assessment in gastrointestinal surgery (2026 edition)].

Abstract

Perioperative risk assessment in gastrointestinal surgery is a critical component for ensuring patient safety, optimizing therapeutic decision-making, and reducing postoperative complications. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies, intelligent risk prediction models based on machine learning and multimodal data integration have gradually become important tools for promoting precision perioperative management. However, standardized recommendations regarding input variables, predicted outcomes, validation methodologies, and clinical implementation of AI-based risk assessment models in gastrointestinal surgery remain lacking. To facilitate the standardized application of AI technologies in perioperative risk management for gastrointestinal surgery, the Colorectal Surgery Group of the Chinese Society of Surgery, Chinese Medical Association, together with experts in gastrointestinal surgery, evidence-based medicine, and artificial intelligence, developed the "Expert consensus on artificial intelligence-based risk assessment in gastrointestinal surgery（2026 edition）" based on currently available evidence-based medical evidence and extensive clinical experience. This consensus focuses on key issues including prediction of high-risk postoperative complications, model development and validation, dynamic risk monitoring, and perioperative intervention strategies. It systematically proposes the key input variables, major predictive outcomes, model evaluation metrics, and principles for multicenter implementation of AI-based risk assessment in gastrointestinal surgery. The consensus aims to establish a standardized AI-driven risk assessment framework applicable to gastrointestinal surgical practice in China and to promote the development of perioperative management toward greater precision and intelligence.