A technological convergence in hepatobiliary oncology: Evolving roles of smart surgical systems

Cancer remains a major threat to human health, with the incidence of hepatobiliary tumors consistently high. Treatment methods for hepatobiliary tumors include surgical intervention, ablation, embolization, and pharmacological treatments, with surgery being a critical component of systemic treatment for patients with hepatobiliary tumors. Compared to other methods, surgery is the most effective way to remove tumors and improve survival rates, serving as the cornerstone of various treatment strategies. However, the large patient population sometimes burdens traditional surgical oncology. In recent years, rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, characterized by efficiency, precision, and personalization, align well with the treatment philosophy of oncologic surgery. Increasing studies have shown that AI-assisted surgical oncology outperforms traditional approaches in many aspects. This review, based on machine learning, neural networks, and other AI techniques, discusses the various applications of AI throughout the entire process of hepatobiliary tumor surgical treatment, including diagnostic assistance, surgical decision-making, intraoperative support, postoperative monitoring, risk assessment, and medical education. It offers new insights and directions for the integration and application of AI in oncologic surgery.