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Walker et al. Art Int Surg. 2025;5:345-9 Artificial
DOI: 10.20517/ais.2025.02
Intelligence Surgery

Perspective Open Access

From surgical outcome prediction to optimizing
surgical performance: the role of artificial

intelligence in hernia surgery

3
2
1
Victoria L. Walker , B. Todd Heniford , Gregory T. Scarola , Sullivan A. Ayuso 2
1
Department of Surgery, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, TN 38120, USA.
2
Division of Gastrointestinal and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Endeavor Health, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
3
Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
60202, USA.
Correspondence to: Dr. Sullivan A. Ayuso, Division of Gastrointestinal and General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Endeavor
Health, Room B665, 2650 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA. E-mail: sullivan.ayuso@gmail.com
How to cite this article: Walker VL, Heniford BT, Scarola GT, Ayuso SA. From surgical outcome prediction to optimizing surgical
performance: the role of artificial intelligence in hernia surgery. Art Int Surg. 2025;5:345-9. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ais.
2025.02

Received: 13 Jan 2025 First Decision: 27 May 2025 Revised: 2 Jun 2025 Accepted: 12 Jun 2025 Published: 7 Jul 2025

Academic Editor: Andrew Gumbs Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to change the way we approach hernia surgery and abdominal wall
reconstruction (AWR). From improving surgical planning to predicting outcomes and enhancing intraoperative
precision, AI, particularly deep learning models (DLMs), offers tools that can support decision making and
personalize patient care. These models can analyze large datasets, such as preoperative imaging, to spot patterns
we might miss. We have seen AI outperform experienced surgeons in predicting complications like mesh
infections. Despite its promise, there are also valid concerns about data quality, transparency, and overreliance.
Thoughtful integration is essential, ensuring that AI complements rather than replaces clinical judgment. Moving
forward, collaboration with fields such as computer science and support from surgical societies will be essential.
With appropriate groundwork, AI can be a powerful tool in the pre-op, intra-op, and post-op phases of care.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, deep learning, algorithm, hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction, surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to mimic human cognition. AI has the
capacity to perform both routinized and complex tasks, such as learning and problem-solving, and is rapidly

© The Author(s) 2025. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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