Bahar Ağaoğlu ŞANLI
Developments and Experiments in Health and Medicine - 2025;39(4):345-347
Artificial intelligence (AI) one of the most groundbreaking technologies in modern medicine. Advances in image processing, decision support systems, and robotic applications are particularly prominent in technically complex and visually intensive disciplines. One of the fields most affected by this transformation is thoracic surgery. Today, AI algorithms can accurately classify pulmonary nodules on low-dose chest CT scans with high accuracy and estimate malignancy risk by analyzing nodule characteristics. Additionally, applications such as three-dimensional vascular modeling and automated anatomical segmentation facilitate the planning of procedures like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In the field of robotic surgery, AI-supported systems assist surgeons with functions such as tissue recognition, camera guidance, and margin identification. Some systems are designed to highlight critical anatomical structures during dissection, thereby enhancing surgical safety. Furthermore, AI-based scoring systems that predict postoperative complication risks show promise in enabling more personalized patient management. However, these technological advancements also present ethical and practical challenges. Who is responsible for decisions based on algorithmic suggestions is debatable. Additionally, the fact that these systems are often trained on Western-centered datasets may limit their accuracy when applied to local patient populations. Surgery is both a technical and an intuitive discipline. AI should support decision-making processes, not replace, clinician's decision-making processes. Encouraging examples have also emerged from Türkiye. At Ankara University, Prof. Dr. Ayten Kayı Cangır and her team developed an AI-based model that proposes treatment strategies for lung cancer patients using low-dose CT data, eliminating the need for biopsies. Local initiatives like this one are crucial for integrating of AI into clinical practice. In terms of medical education, Mesut Buz and Prof. Dr. Recep Demirhan conducted a study that compared the regarding thoracic surgery. In conclusion, AI should be viewed not as a rival, but as a strategic ally in thoracic surgery. AI applications that are integrated with surgical expertise and clinical intuition could lead to a safer and more effective surgical practices in the future.
