Overview of Radiological Reporting and Data System (RADS) Guidelines Currently Applicable in Surgery

Standardized frameworks for interpreting medical images, such as the radiological Reporting and Data Systems (RADS), are designed to improve the consistency and accuracy of radiological assessments across different imaging modalities, anatomical locations, and disease processes. Clear communication and information sharing between radiologists and referring physicians, including surgeons, is a key goal of the RADS guidelines. Therefore, familiarity with these guidelines is crucial for all physicians involved in patient care. This review synthesizes current RADS guidelines relevant to surgical practice. Our analysis identified 28 radiological RADS with potential applications in surgical workflows, primarily in oncology. Of the RADS examined, nine were validated by the American College of Radiology (ACR), one was validated through a collaboration between the ACR and other scientific societies, and seventeen were developed by other scientific organizations. Numerous surgical specialties may encounter RADS in clinical practice, including neurosurgery, head and neck surgery, cardiovascular surgery, thoracic surgery, endocrine surgery, breast surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, gynecological surgery, urological surgery, orthopedic surgery, emergency surgery, and surgical oncology. The effective utilization and validation of RADS necessitates close collaboration between radiologists and surgeons, coupled with widespread education for all healthcare professionals involved in patient care. Artificial intelligence software will play an important role in facilitating the dissemination and use of RADS in clinical practice.