Sign in Subscribe
Machine learning

Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: A Growing Field with Emerging Applications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has shown that large language model-based artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are increasingly being used in surgery, with a significant increase in publications from 2023 to 2024. The United States led in publications, accounting for 52.1% of the total, with Harvard Medical School emerging as the leading institution with 13 relevant publications. The field comprises 1418 authors, with Seth Ishith, Lechien Jerome, Cho Samuel, and Zaidat Bashar being the most prolific. The analysis of the top 20 keywords reveals that 'artificial intelligence' and 'ChatGPT' are the most common, with key application areas identified in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and bariatric surgery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Research output on large language model-based AI chatbots in surgery has significantly increased from 2023 to 2024, with 260 papers meeting the inclusion criteria.
  • The United States led in publications, accounting for 52.1% of the total, with Harvard Medical School emerging as the leading institution.
  • The field comprises 1418 authors, with Seth Ishith, Lechien Jerome, Cho Samuel, and Zaidat Bashar being the most prolific.
  • The most common keywords are 'artificial intelligence' and 'ChatGPT'.
  • Key application areas identified include otolaryngology - head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and bariatric surgery.
  • The development of sophisticated chatbots capable of facilitating accurate healthcare interactions and delivering personalized care remains a challenge.
  • AI chatbots in surgery show great potential for advancing patient and medical education.
  • The research provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape and highlights areas for future investigation.

Statistics:

  • 260 papers met the inclusion criteria for the study.
  • The United States accounted for 52.1% of the total publications.
  • Harvard Medical School emerged as the leading institution with 13 relevant publications.
  • 1418 authors were involved in the research.
  • Seth Ishith, Lechien Jerome, Cho Samuel, and Zaidat Bashar were the most prolific authors.
  • 'Artificial intelligence' and 'ChatGPT' were the most common keywords.

Sources:

  • A bibliometric analysis of large language model-based AI chatbots in surgery. Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 2025;87(7):4127-4138.
  • NewsRx. New Artificial Intelligence Data Have Been Reported by Researchers at Plastic Surgery Hospital (A bibliometric analysis of large language model-based AI chatbots in surgery). Education Letter. September 17, 2025; p 321.

Read more