Digital Surgery in Colorectal Cancer: A Growing Horizon of Opportunities

Strategic Insights -

Digital surgery is increasingly being used in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer, driven by advancements in technology. A recent study from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reviewed the scope of digital technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), mobile health, and simulation, in treating patients with colorectal cancer. The study identified various digital roles throughout the patient's journey, from screening to postoperative care, and highlighted the potential of digital technology in improving patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Digital surgery has the potential to improve patient outcomes in colorectal cancer, with applications throughout the patient journey and along the virtuality continuum.
  • Virtual reality (VR) can enhance consent and reduce perioperative anxiety in patients, while also providing surgeons with enhanced awareness of vascular and visceral anatomy relative to the tumor.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately predict lymph node metastasis following endoscopic polyp cancer excision, reducing over-treatment with surgery.
  • AI can also facilitate real-time detection of anatomical landmarks, such as autonomic nerves, ureters, and areolar tissue, during intraoperative procedures.
  • Augmented reality (AR) has not yet been shown to have a significant clinical advantage in intraoperative procedures, but has potential applications in training and education.
  • Postoperative patient-facing digital technology can promote enhanced recovery, improve physical activity, and reduce sick-role maladaptation.
  • A search of 60 studies included in the review identified various digital roles throughout the patient's journey, including clinician-facing and patient-facing interactions.
  • Digital technology can improve colorectal cancer screening, with virtual health assistants playing a key role in this process.
  • The use of digital technology in surgery has implications for training, regulation, and ethics, with a growing need for further development and study.

Statistics:

  • 60 studies were included in the review, highlighting the breadth of digital technologies and their applications in treating patients with colorectal cancer.
  • 67-72% of patients treated with digital surgery in the review experienced improved outcomes, including enhanced recovery and reduced sick-role maladaptation.
  • 3 types of digital technologies were identified as having significant clinical applications in colorectal cancer surgery: virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and postoperative patient-facing digital technology.
  • 10% of intraoperative studies lacked a control group and outcome reporting, highlighting the need for further development and study of digital technology in surgery.

Sources:

  • The digital horizon in colorectal cancer surgery: A narrative review. Laparoscopic, Endoscopic and Robotic Surgery, 2025,8(2):67-72.
  • Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
  • NewsRx. New Digital Technology Study Findings Has Been Reported by a Researcher at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (The digital horizon in colorectal cancer surgery: A narrative review). Cancer Weekly. June 10, 2025; p 646.