Advances in Surgery and Sustainability: The Use of AI Systems and Reusable Devices in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Overview

Journal Cancers (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Oncology

Date 2025 Mar 13

PMID 40075609

Authors

Takuma Iwai

Seiichi Shinji

Takeshi Yamada

Kay Uehara

Akihisa Matsuda

Yasuyuki Yokoyama

Goro Takahashi

Toshimitsu Miyasaka

Takanori Matsui

Hiroshi Yoshida

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The sustainability of the surgical workforce, environmental pollution caused by disposable instruments, and the rising costs of medical care are pressing issues worldwide. This review explores sustainable surgical practices for laparoscopic surgery through the application of surgical AI systems and reusable energy devices. Surgical AI systems enable the precise real-time visualization of organ anatomy, enhance surgical accuracy, and support educational initiatives. The Reusable Energy Device Laparoscopic-Assisted Colectomy (RE-LAC) technique, which employs reusable energy devices, has the potential to reduce medical waste and costs while maintaining safety and quality standards. A comparative analysis of RE-LAC and conventional disposable devices showed no significant differences in operative time or blood loss, suggesting that RE-LAC may be a viable alternative for sustainable surgical practice. These approaches align with the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to sustainable healthcare by improving workforce efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting economic feasibility. Further large-scale, multi-institutional studies are necessary to optimize their implementation and maximize their global impact.

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