Key result
AI and ML promise to transform surgical care in LMICs despite infrastructure and data barriers.
Why the study?
AI and ML have advanced surgical care in high-income countries but remain underutilized in LMICs despite limited surgical expertise, constrained resources, and a growing burden of surgical disease.
AI and ML have the potential to improve surgical care in LMICs, but significant investment and policy development are needed to overcome current challenges.
AI/ML applications remain underutilized in LMIC surgical care; leaves open whether targeted deployment improves access or outcomes.
The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in surgical care has significantly advanced healthcare delivery in high-income countries (HICs), yet remains underutilized in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With a growing burden of surgical diseases, limited surgical expertise, and constrained healthcare resources, AI and ML offer transformative potential in optimizing surgical workflows, improving patient outcomes, and expanding access to specialized care. This manuscript explores the current status, challenges, and future prospects of AI and ML in surgical care for LMICs, emphasizing the critical need for investment, capacity building, and policy development to bridge the healthcare gap.
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William Nkenguye (2025) conducted a letter in Surgical diseases. Artificial intelligence and machine learning was evaluated. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize surgical care in low- and middle-income countries, but widespread adoption is hindered by limited infrastructure, data gaps, and a lack of expertise.
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