Research Appraisalother

Enhancing Surgical Education Through Artificial Intelligence in the Era of Digital Surgery

Am SurgAurello, Paolo, Pace, Marco, Goglia, Marta et al.1 Nov 2025DOI

Clinical Snapshot

25CEBM
Evidence: Weakother

PICO Framework

P — PopulationSurgical residents and trainees in general surgery programs
I — InterventionAI-powered digital surgery training tools including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms
C — ComparatorTraditional surgical education methods
O — OutcomesTechnical skills improvement, hand-eye coordination, error reduction, learning enhancement, and skill assessment

Bottom Line

This narrative review examines AI integration in surgical education, specifically focusing on VR and AR technologies for general surgery training. While the authors report positive outcomes including improved technical skills and reduced errors, the review lacks methodological rigor expected of systematic reviews. With only 13 studies included and no described search strategy or quality assessment, the evidence base appears limited. The review acknowledges significant implementation challenges including financial constraints and ethical concerns. For Australian surgical educators, while the concept shows promise, the current evidence is insufficient to support widespread adoption without further high-quality research demonstrating clear educational and patient safety benefits. Investment decisions should await more robust systematic reviews with proper methodology and quantitative synthesis.

Evidence: Weak

Key Findings

  • P Value: Not reported

  • Effect Size: Not quantified

  • Primary Outcome: Improvement in technical skills, hand-eye coordination, and error reduction through AI-powered surgical training

  • Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - educational intervention review

  • Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Limited by financial constraints and infrastructure requirements for VR/AR technology implementation Relevant to Australian surgical training programs, though implementation would require significant investment in technology infrastructure and alignment with RACS training requirements Surgical residents and trainees in general surgery programs globally

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming surgical education, playing a pivotal role in the era of digital surgery. This review, conducted from January 2023 to December 2024, examines the integration of AI into surgical training, focusing on its benefits and limitations. Thirteen studies were included, with emphasis on AI's impact in General Surgery training. Digital surgery leverages AI-powered tools such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create immersive, simulated environments where residents can practice surgical techniques safely and effectively. These platforms improve technical skills, hand-eye coordination, and error reduction, while personalized AI-driven feedback systems enhance learning and skill assessment. Digital surgery also bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application, fostering innovative training methodologies. Despite challenges such as financial constraints and ethical concerns, AI within digital surgery emerges as a transformative force, redefining surgical education and equipping trainees with the expertise needed for modern health care.

References

  1. 1.Aurello, P., Pace, M., Goglia, M., Pavone, M., Petrucciani, N., Carrano, F. M., Cicolani, A., Chiarini, L., Silecchia, G., & D'Andrea, V. (2025). Enhancing surgical education through artificial intelligence in the era of digital surgery. American Surgeon. https://doi.org/10.1177/00031348251346539
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