ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL REALITY AND ROBOTICS IN COLORECTAL SURGERY USING MASTER-CLASS TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

Abstract

The future of the surgical field can be envisioned by four leading technologies; robotics, genomics, artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). Of these, a major breakthrough is provided by AI which uses machine learning and other computer-based interfaces for augmenting the surgeons’ decision making and the accuracy of surgical procedures.¹ AI imitates human cognitive functions by generating computational algorithms such as training and situation awareness, which can subsequently recreate human intelligence.² Major challenges during surgical procedures for CRC include an accurate perception of cancer infiltration, the required depth and breadth of surgical dissection, mapping of the lymph node basin, and the identification and preservation of the surroundings vital structures. The need for AI is intensified in surgical oncology where surgeons need fine details of anatomical structures, precise tumor characteristics, and the degree of tumor infiltration into the primary organ and surrounding structures.³ Such features provide a roadmap to surgeons for defining the extent of surgical dissections for curative tumor resections as well as to mitigate the rate of potential complications which account for major morbidity in surgical patients.⁴ The use of AI in colorectal surgery allows the surgeons in surgical data extraction, surgical decision-making, an augmented execution of surgical steps and to reduce the rate of post-operative complications. In the surgical field, AI can support surgeons during the pre-, per-, and post-operative phases which ultimately lead to enhanced patient safety and less number of complications. Pre-operatively, using machine learning, AI generates an algorithm that can reliably predict patient risk for developing complications in colorectal (CRC), hepatobiliary and GIT surgical procedures.⁵ This computer generated calibration data also facilitates the surgeons to predict disease prognosis during surgeon-patient pre-operative discussions and in the decision-making process. A high rate of predicted complications, as suggested by AI, would deter the surgeons to embark on a major surgical procedure. Fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) is an optical-based imaging which allows the visualization of structures otherwise invisible to surgeons intra-operatively.⁶ FIGS also permits an accurate assessment of the dynamic metabolic status of target organs such as colonic or pancreatic perfusion. This information aids the surgical decision-making by confirming the viability of the distal and proximal ends of the bowel. Further attractive clinical applications of FIGS include the identifcation of critical structures including bile ducts (fluorescence cholangiography), ureters, lymph nodes and even pelvic nerves using nerve-specific fluorophores. A variant of FIGS in the colonic perfusion assessment offers an intra-operative evaluation of the perfusion status of the anastomotic site.⁷ The use of a FIGS-based near-infrared perfusion angiography has shown promising results with a very low rate of anastomotic leakage in CRC surgery.⁸ Further technogical developments in this field has provided tools that help in visualization of the vascular tree which enhances the effectiveness and safety profile of surgical dissections and reduces operative time.⁹ An accurate understanding about the status of regional lymph nodes is vital to the surgeons before embarking on a colorectal procedures for CRC. The sentinel lymph node mapping using a subserosal injection of lymphazurin¹⁰ and an intra-operative radiochromoguided sentinel lymph node mapping by a gamma probe¹¹ have shown encouraging results. Recently, a one-step nucleic acid (OSNA) testing is introduced for a rapid histological analysis of the regional lymph nodes by the concurrent use of the near infrared laparoscopy and indocyanin green (ICG).¹² OSNA is a powerful and reliable tool in helping surgeons in planning the extent of the surgical procedure. During colorectal surgery, ureters are at risk of iatrogenic injuries, particularly for tumors with locoregional infiltrations and re-do surgeries. Traditionally, the intra-operative identification of the ureters is done by the insertion of a double J ureteric stent or an illuminated catheter. Recently, the intra-ureteric instillation of ICG dye facilitates the identification of ureters using an infra-red arm of the laparosciic telescope.¹³ ICG binds with proteins of the ureteral epithelium and stains ureters for a long period of time. During the transanal total mesorectal excision (TME) of the rectal cancers, potential urehtral damage is a well-known complication with long-standing debilitation. Due to the close anatmical location of the prostate and urethra during TME, a fluorescent coated urethral catheter can potentially prevent urethral damage. The infra-red imaging using an optical device during surgery allows an accurate visualization of the underlying fluorescent coated urethral catheter. The fluorescent signals, emitting from the urethra, penetrate through thick layers of the urethra and provide a reliable idenfication throughtout the length of the sugical procedure. These technogical developments not only allow the surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures for advanced CRC,¹⁴ but also the surgeons can mentor junior trainees even through telementoring.¹⁵ Another advent in the field of surgical bioengineering is the robotic technology that carries a strong promise for enhanced patient safety, wider surgical exposure, and superior surgical control than the conventional laparoscopic tools. Surgical robots offer excellent ergonomics including high-quality consoles which allow the surgeons to operate in a seated position and stable joystick controls with an ideal fulcrum...