Schlüsselwörter
künstliche Intelligenz - Diagnose - Endometriose - Telemedizin
Keywords
artifical intelligence - diagnosis - endometriosis - telemedicine
Dear Editor,
In recent decades, communication and computer-based technologies have successfully
been adapted to healthcare management [1]. Besides,
these technologies have been widely implemented into daily practice, especially for
managing patients suffering from chronic diseases such as endometriosis during the
COVID-19 pandemic [2].
Due to pandemic restrictions, most endometriosis patients who seek a remedy for pain
relief or infertility could not attend hospitals. This situation caused a potential
risk for endometriosis
patients considering acute complications such as intestinal obstruction, rectal or
urinary bleeding, cyst rupture, and severe abdominal pain [3].
Apart from urgent hospital admissions, endometriosis management requires experience
and dedication both in medical and surgical management. However, it is not always
easy to attain an
experienced endometriosis center or specialists for patients with severe endometriosis.
Therefore patients need to look for appropriate healthcare professionals or clinics
in different cities
or countries.
All practical options provided by technology should be considered in endometriosis
management regarding the necessities mentioned above. Recently, many qualified centers
have encouraged
healthcare providers to use Telemedicine (TM) appointments to maintain health care
and support patients with chronic diseases. TM is accessible simply via a computer,
tablet, or smartphone,
which only requires a proper internet connection and a video transmission platform
[4].
TM offers various advantages, such as remote communication with physicians and laboratory
or imaging findings interpretation. Furthermore, TM could contribute to an appropriate
patient
follow-up and decision-making process [4]. From the endometriosis aspect, TM could allow physicians to communicate with patients
who
suffer from pain and are anxious about the side effects or effectiveness of the previously
recommended medical treatments [3].
In addition to adapting communication technologies to the healthcare system, computer-based
advancements are also used in various specialties. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems
have
recently been investigated for diagnostic purposes in cardiology, ophthalmology, psychiatry,
radiology, and nuclear medicine [5]. The
majority of AI studies have concentrated on improving medical image quality, noise
reduction, quality assurance, triage, computer-based diagnosis, and radiogenomics
as an emerging area of
research [6].
AI system-based developments substantially mimic human neuronal connections via various
processors, including artificial neurons like human beings [7]. The AI systems require machine learning technology, big data analysis processes,
and advanced robotic systems. Besides, many graphic processing units are needed to
process massive data following segmentation and regeneration steps. As a plain explanation,
the AI processes enable analyzing and interpreting radiological or surgical images
by matching
previously registered proven data [8]. Although AI in surgery practice is still in its infancy period, the progress of
technology is
promising.
Regarding the diagnosis of endometriosis, the patient’s history, gynecological examination,
and imaging methods have a crucial role. However, experience in ultrasonography or
MRI
interpretation is required in the diagnosis of endometriotic lesions. For that purpose,
AI-based software could interpret an MRI or sonographic image [5]
[9].
Moreover, aside from the diagnosis of endometriosis, it could be possible to utilize
AI in the surgical management of endometriosis. The studies regarding the prototypes
of artificial surgery
programs that mimic surgeons’ movements in predetermined cases have already been reported
[10].
The AI-based surgical software includes regenerated video content obtained from essential
frames after extraction from thousands of hours of surgery videos that correspond
to key events of
the procedures (i.e., dissection and coagulation, restoration of the pelvic anatomy,
reaction to bleeding, resection of the affected organ, and suturing) performed by
experts [1]
[10].
The idea behind including only essential frames of the surgery is related to the fact
that each surgery has relevant or redundant short movements, even performed by experienced
hands. The AI
aims to choose those frames with as much relevant data as possible. The system then
combines the appropriate frames and regenerates them to obtain an accurate surgical
flow.
This AI-based advancement could create many opportunities for both surgeons and patients.
Besides, AI may allow physicians to compare their movements with the data acquired
from expert
surgeons [1]
[10]. AI-based platforms may also be adapted to robotic surgery systems
that convert the entire process to an automated surgery. Moreover, AI-based surgeries
could enhance the intra/postoperative outcomes by combining with the preoperative
imaging data [1]
[5]
[10].
In conclusion, over the next few years, it is evident that the development of communication
technology and AI will provide a mind-blowing advancement. Healthcare providers should
be familiar
with the current progress in technology since inevitable outcomes are on the line.
Contributorsʼ Statement
CK: Conceptualization, Data curation, Project administration, Writing – review and
editing. TU: Writing – review and editing. EO: Writing – review and editing.
