The digital transformation of surgery

Rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence in recent years have already begun to transform many industries, and are beginning to make headway into healthcare. There is tremendous potential for new digital technologies to improve the care of surgical patients. In this piece, we highlight work being done to advance surgical care using machine learning, computer vision, wearable devices, remote patient monitoring, and virtual and augmented reality. We describe ways these technologies can be used to improve the practice of surgery, and discuss opportunities and challenges to their widespread adoption and use in operating rooms and at the bedside.

Automated summary

Rapid advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence are transforming many industries, including healthcare. This article highlights the use of machine learning, computer vision, wearable devices, remote patient monitoring, and virtual and augmented reality to advance surgical care. The potential to improve surgical practice is discussed, along with challenges to widespread adoption in operating rooms and at the bedside.