PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES RELATED TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF AI IN ENDOSCOPIC STONE SURGERY

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the benefits of AI in endoscopic stone surgery are enormous, integration into clinical practice raises issues such as patient safety, cybersecurity, data transparency and interpretation, inclusion, and equity. Equally important is the quality and diversity of data sets used to train AI models, as inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to suboptimal or unfair results. Procedures for ensuring the ethical use of AI, particularly in decision-making processes, remain a pressing issue. Cost is another significant barrier, as the development and maintenance of AI systems require significant investment. Ensuring access to these technologies is critical to preventing disparities in health care delivery. In addition, there is a need to address the fear of job displacement among healthcare professionals by emphasizing the role of AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for the existing workforce. All of these challenges are reflected in the paucity of real AI applications in everyday practice.

The Future of AI in Endoscopic Stone Surgery

The future of AI in endoscopic stone surgery is marked by exciting possibilities. Augmented reality can become a key tool in surgical guidance, allowing real-time visualization of 3D anatomical models to enhance spatial awareness. Autonomous robotic systems could eventually perform routine surgery with minimal supervision. The use of AI can lead to better integration of surgical and anesthetic procedures, such as minimizing respiratory movements or adjusting laser precision accordingly.