Artificial intelligence and simulation in urology

Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed). 2021 Jun 11:S0210-4806(21)00088-7. doi: 10.1016/j.acuro.2020.10.012. Online ahead of print.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Artificial intelligence (AI) is in full development and its implementation in medicine has led to an improvement in clinical and surgical practice. One of its multiple applications is surgical training, with the creation of programs that allow avoiding complications and risks for the patient. The aim of this article is to analyze the advantages of AI applied to surgical training in urology.

Material and methods: A literary research is carried out to identify articles published in English regarding AI applied to medicine, especially in surgery and the acquisition of surgical skills.

Results: Surgical training has evolved over time thanks to AI. A model for surgical learning where skills are acquired in a progressive way while avoiding complications to the patient, has been created. The use of simulators allows a progressive learning, providing trainees with procedures that increase in number and complexity. On the other hand, AI is used in imaging tests for surgical or treatment planning.

Conclusion: Currently, the use of AI in daily clinical practice has led to progress in medicine, specifically in surgical training.

Keywords: Aprendizaje automático; Artificial intelligence; Entrenamiento; Inteligencia artificial; Machine learning; Training; Urology; Urología.

Publication types

  • Review