Defining Digital Surgery: a SAGES White Paper

Overview

Journal Surg Endosc

Publisher Springer

Specialties Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Radiology

Date 2024 Jan 5

PMID 38180541

Authors

Jawad T Ali

Gene Yang

Courtney A Green

Benjamin L Reed

Amin Madani

Todd A Ponsky

Jeffrey Hazey

Steven S Rothenberg

Christopher M Schlachta

Dmitry Oleynikov

Nova Szoka

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Digital surgery is a new paradigm within the surgical innovation space that is rapidly advancing and encompasses multiple areas.

Methods: This white paper from the SAGES Digital Surgery Working Group outlines the scope of digital surgery, defines key terms, and analyzes the challenges and opportunities surrounding this disruptive technology.

Results: In its simplest form, digital surgery inserts a computer interface between surgeon and patient. We divide the digital surgery space into the following elements: advanced visualization, enhanced instrumentation, data capture, data analytics with artificial intelligence/machine learning, connectivity via telepresence, and robotic surgical platforms. We will define each area, describe specific terminology, review current advances as well as discuss limitations and opportunities for future growth.

Conclusion: Digital Surgery will continue to evolve and has great potential to bring value to all levels of the healthcare system. The surgical community has an essential role in understanding, developing, and guiding this emerging field.

Citing Articles

Dynamic Augmented Reality Cues for Telementoring in Minimally Invasive Surgeries: Scoping Review.

Hamza H, Aboumarzouk O, Al-Ansari A, Navkar N J Med Internet Res. 2025; 27:e63939.

PMID: 39899360 PMC: 11833267. DOI: 10.2196/63939.

Upcoming multi-visceral robotic surgery systems: a SAGES review.

Sarin A, Samreen S, Moffett J, Inga-Zapata E, Bianco F, Alkhamesi N Surg Endosc. 2024; 38(12):6987-7010.

PMID: 39542888 PMC: 11615118. DOI: 10.1007/s00464-024-11384-8.

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