Scientists at the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, or NCT/UCC (University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden) and the Else Kröner Fresenius Center (EKFZ), including Prof. Jürgen Weitz and Dr. Fiona Kolbinger, have developed a computer-based and AI-supported assistance system to accompany colorectal cancer surgeries.
Every year, 58,000 colorectal cancer surgeries are performed in Germany alone. To work more precisely and under certain quality standards, the assistance system is used, which has a valuable support function during complete tumor removal. The device used for risk minimization and complete cure is still in the test phase. However, as early as next year, it could also minimize complications after tumor surgery.
The assistance system in tumor surgery of the intestine works with high precision. This reduces complications and achieves smaller abdominal incisions, which can improve the wound healing process through shorter layover times.
Surgical navigation with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) is the perfect method while maintaining all quality standards because the assistant works according to the situation. However, the method and the experienced surgeon form a single unit, without whose expertise, colorectal cancer surgery will be unsuccessful. First, however, the instrument takes over holding and moving in small steps, translating larger hand movements without trembling the surgeon’s hand. The assistant then superimposes camera images from the patient’s abdomen, which mark the location of the nerves and the ideal incision, among other things.
The system learns with the help of AI through video recordings of the operations and forms an algorithm through an artificial neural network. The markings are recorded during surgery using a laparoscope (optical reflection). All efficient data is collected during the operations, last over hours, and then analyzed and evaluated.
A final study will also examine the problems with continence and potency of those affected following the procedure, which will then be used in real surgical procedures in 2022 and will continue to be accompanied by studies.
Source: www.kma-online.de