Publication:

The emerging role of artificial intelligence in ENT surgery

The field of otorhinolaryngology has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past few decades owing to advances in technology.  Advances in endoscopic surgery, microsurgery, laser surgery, surgical navigation, robotic surgery, etc., have improved management of several diseases with increased safety and have resulted in optimal outcomes for patients. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines to mimic human intelligence and solve tasks that require complex decision-making. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become possible owing to advances in the disciplines of computer science, mathematics, and engineering and involves technology that enables computers to carry out operations that need human intellect, such as discrimination of words and objects, visual perception, and decision-making. The use of computational methods that rely on collecting and processing data helps reduce human labour. The collaboration of such AI technology with a challenging field like ENT surgery is evolving in the present day and is bound to enhance clinical practice worldwide. This review analyses the emerging influence of AI in each and every sub-specialty of ENT practice and highlights the key points of how this merger can establish and benefit clinicians in the near future.