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Shen et al. Art Int Surg. 2025;5:150-9 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ais.2024.71 Page 156

informed decisions.

Moreover, patients undergoing breast reconstruction, especially those from racial minority groups, report
significant dissatisfaction with the information provided to them regarding preoperative decision making
[47]
and postoperative recovery . They often perceive significant gaps in their knowledge and understanding of
expected outcomes, leading to increased anxiety and fear during the surgical process. Patients are
increasingly turning to online resources for advice and insights prior to a potential surgical journey, often
because of the stress and frustration of navigating the complex or inaccessible materials provided by their
surgical teams. Yet, even as the available number of existing resources targeted toward breast reconstruction
continues to grow, most are not written at a broadly accessible level . This calls for the need to improve
[48]
this process, which will not only elevate immediate patient experience, but may also lead to overall increased
patient satisfaction with their breast reconstruction. AI chatbots in their current state have shown the ability
to perform such tasks effectively and could be easily integrated to bridge this gap with almost immediate
[49]
effect . Notably, a concern in validating AI software is that it is limited by the biases of the datasets on
which it is built, including those disproportionately affecting populations that are poorly represented even
in large clinical trials. With even high-level evidence succumbing to this weakness [50,51] , it is important that
clinically facing tools are continuously refined to ensure high-quality care.

CONCLUSION
The integration of AI in breast reconstruction holds great promise for improving surgical outcomes and
patient satisfaction. AI-driven image analysis, predictive modeling, and personalized planning tools enhance
the precision and efficiency of surgical planning. Additionally, VR and AR technologies provide innovative
ways to educate and engage patients, helping them make informed decisions about their care. As AI
technologies continue to evolve, their applications in breast reconstruction are likely to expand, offering
even greater benefits to patients and surgeons alike. Overcoming current limitations, including costs,
accuracy, and reliability, and further evaluating these applications through prospective, randomized, and
large-scale clinical trials will be necessary to leverage AI’s full potential to improve surgical care and patient
outcomes in breast reconstruction.

DECLARATIONS
Authors’ contributions
Conceptualization, drafting and editing of the manuscript, technical support, administrative support: Shen
Y, Malek AJ
Drafting and editing of the manuscript, technical support: Gao R
Conceptualization, editing of the manuscript, administrative support: Broyles JM

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
Broyles JM serves on the scientific advisory board for Healshape LLC, receives consulting support from The
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and serves on the Medical Device Advisory Board for the
Food and Drug Administration. The other authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.