- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Western Balkans University, 1051 Tirana, Albania
Abstract
There has been an increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary medicine. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is commonly used because it is associated with reduced tissue damage, less postoperative pain, and a shorter recovery period. This review is intended to examine the present uses of AI in MIS with special attention to clinical uses of AI, surgical outcomes and ethical issues involved in its use. A narrative literature review with a structured search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web
of Science, identifying studies published from 2020 to 2025. Systematic reviews and other evidence concerning the use of AI in MIS, robot-assisted surgery, computer vision, machine learning, surgical planning, and ethics were included in this review. From the available findings, there is sufficient evidence that AI technology can be used in preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, identification and recognition of anatomical structures, and surgical decision-making. Computer vision helps in real-time
identification and visualization of anatomical structures, whereas AI-based robots can help in improving surgical instrument control and dexterity during surgeries. Predictive analytics models can also be used in risk assessment and perioperative decision-making. There are also possibilities for enhancing surgical accuracy and minimizing errors. However, several limitations are still relevant in the area. AI has great potential to revolutionize MIS through increased accuracy, efficiency, and safety. However, for
responsible use, AI technology must be subject to robust clinical trials, proper regulation, ethical guidelines, and continuous human supervision. Further research in clinical trials is necessary to prove the efficacy, safety, and applicability of AI.
of Science, identifying studies published from 2020 to 2025. Systematic reviews and other evidence concerning the use of AI in MIS, robot-assisted surgery, computer vision, machine learning, surgical planning, and ethics were included in this review. From the available findings, there is sufficient evidence that AI technology can be used in preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, identification and recognition of anatomical structures, and surgical decision-making. Computer vision helps in real-time
identification and visualization of anatomical structures, whereas AI-based robots can help in improving surgical instrument control and dexterity during surgeries. Predictive analytics models can also be used in risk assessment and perioperative decision-making. There are also possibilities for enhancing surgical accuracy and minimizing errors. However, several limitations are still relevant in the area. AI has great potential to revolutionize MIS through increased accuracy, efficiency, and safety. However, for
responsible use, AI technology must be subject to robust clinical trials, proper regulation, ethical guidelines, and continuous human supervision. Further research in clinical trials is necessary to prove the efficacy, safety, and applicability of AI.
Keywords
How to cite
Amela Gjana. Role of Artificial Intelligence in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Clinical Applications, Surgical Outcomes, and Ethical Challenges. EJMTB. 2026;1(1):100-106.
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