Can AI Improve Access to Surgical Care?

By Rasit Dinc

Introduction

Access to safe and timely surgical care remains a significant challenge globally, with an estimated 5 billion people lacking access to basic surgical services [3]. This disparity is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where a shortage of trained surgeons, inadequate infrastructure, and geographical barriers create formidable obstacles to care. However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a transformative opportunity to bridge this gap. By enhancing surgical precision, optimizing resource allocation, and democratizing specialized knowledge, AI is poised to revolutionize the delivery of surgical care, making it more accessible, affordable, and equitable for populations worldwide.

The Role of AI in Expanding Surgical Capabilities

AI-powered technologies are already beginning to reshape the surgical landscape. AI-assisted robotic surgery, for instance, enhances a surgeon's precision and control, enabling complex procedures to be performed with greater accuracy and fewer complications [1]. This technology can reduce operative time by as much as 25% and intraoperative complications by 30% compared to manual methods [1]. While the initial investment in robotic systems is substantial, the long-term benefits, including shorter recovery times and improved patient outcomes, can lead to a 10% reduction in overall healthcare costs [1].

Beyond the operating room, AI is playing a crucial role in surgical training and decision support. AI-driven platforms can analyze surgical videos to provide objective feedback on performance, helping residents and surgeons refine their skills. Predictive analytics, powered by machine learning algorithms, can assess individual patient risks and benefits for specific procedures, enabling more informed and personalized clinical decisions [2]. This is particularly valuable in resource-constrained settings where access to subspecialty expertise may be limited.

Overcoming Barriers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The potential for AI to improve surgical access is perhaps most significant in LMICs. AI-powered telemedicine and remote mentoring platforms can connect surgeons in rural and underserved areas with specialists across the globe, facilitating knowledge transfer and real-time guidance during complex procedures [3]. Augmented reality (AR) integrated with AI can overlay critical information onto the surgeon's field of view, enhancing intraoperative visualization and reducing the risk of errors [3].

However, the widespread adoption of these technologies in LMICs faces several hurdles. Limited digital infrastructure, including a lack of reliable high-speed internet and AI-compatible surgical equipment, remains a primary challenge [3]. Furthermore, the development of effective AI models requires large, high-quality datasets, which are often scarce in these regions. There is a critical need for investment in local data infrastructure and the development of AI models that are trained on and adapted to the specific clinical contexts of LMICs.

The Path Forward: Ensuring Equitable Access

Realizing the full potential of AI in surgical care requires a concerted effort from policymakers, healthcare leaders, and technology developers. Addressing the ethical and equity concerns associated with AI is paramount. Without intentional design and regulation, AI-driven technologies risk exacerbating existing health disparities, with advancements disproportionately benefiting urban centers while leaving rural and underserved populations behind [3].

Investing in AI literacy for healthcare professionals is another crucial step. As AI becomes more integrated into clinical practice, surgeons and other healthcare providers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to use these tools effectively and responsibly. Furthermore, establishing clear regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare is essential to ensure patient safety and accountability.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence holds immense promise for improving access to surgical care, particularly for the world's most vulnerable populations. From enhancing surgical precision to democratizing specialized expertise, AI-powered technologies have the potential to overcome many of the long-standing barriers to surgical access. However, realizing this potential will require a commitment to addressing the infrastructural, financial, and ethical challenges that lie ahead. By prioritizing equity and investing in the necessary resources and training, we can harness the power of AI to create a future where everyone has access to the surgical care they need.

References

[1] Wah, J. N. K. (2025). The rise of robotics and AI-assisted surgery in modern healthcare. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 311. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12181090/

[2] McCartney, J. (2023). AI Is Poised to “Revolutionize” Surgery. Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2023/june-2023-volume-108-issue-6/ai-is-poised-to-revolutionize-surgery/

[3] Nkenguye, W., et al. (2025). Artificial intelligence in surgical care for low- and middle-income countries: Challenges, opportunities, and the path forward. Surgery in Practice and Science, 22, 100290. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666262025000191