Enhancing Surgical Precision in Saudi Arabia: Leveraging AI-Powered Medical Equipment for Real-Time Risk Evaluation in Digital Operating Rooms

Abstract

Saudi Arabia's healthcare system is undergoing a significant transformation as part of the country's Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services. Enhancing surgical precision and patient safety is a critical component of this transformation, requiring the adoption of innovative technologies and practices in operating rooms. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the applications, benefits, and challenges of leveraging AI-powered medical equipment for real-time risk evaluation in digital operating rooms in Saudi Arabia, and their alignment with the healthcare transformation goals. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using standardized tools. The findings highlight the diverse range of AI applications in surgery, such as computer vision, robotics, decision support systems, and precision medicine, and their potential to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and optimize resource utilization. The review also identifies the key enablers and barriers to the implementation and adoption of AI in Saudi operating rooms, such as technology infrastructure, data quality, regulatory frameworks, and healthcare workforce readiness. The study provides recommendations for policy, practice, and research to support the integration of AI in surgical care and the realization of the digital transformation of operating rooms in Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, education and training, and patient and provider engagement in leveraging AI for enhancing surgical precision and patient safety.